Printhead assembly with protective capping mechanism
Summary by NHIP
Printhead with protective capping mechanism
The printhead assembly mounts an ink ejection printhead to a chassis via a plate and uses an actuating mechanism to move a carrier back and forth. The capping member features a channel-shaped, rigid element with elastomeric lips that spaces end members apart by a distance greater than the print media width.
Claim Score by NHIP
Abstract
The present invention relates to a printhead assembly for a printer. The printhead assembly includes a mounting plate assembly for mounting to a chassis of the printer. An ink ejection printhead is mounted to the mounting plate assembly. A capping mechanism is mounted to the mounting plate assembly. The capping mechanism includes a capping member configured to cap the printhead. A carrier supports the capping member. An actuating mechanism is arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the printhead and a second position at which the capping member contacts the printhead.
Term
Projected expiry 2 October 2027.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Projected expiry
7 claims: 1 independent, 6 dependent
- 1Broadest claimClaim Score 66, broad(NHIP)A printhead assembly for a printer, the printhead assembly comprising:a mounting plate assembly for mounting to a chassis of the printer;an ink ejection printhead mounted to the mounting plate assembly;and a capping mechanism mounted to the mounting plate assembly, the capping mechanism including: a capping member configured to cap the printhead;a carrier supporting the capping member;and an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the printhead and a second position at which the capping member contacts the printhead.
984 paragraphs in 9 sections, as filed
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
0001This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/003,684, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,328, filed on Dec. 6, 2004 all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
0002This invention relates in general terms to Inkjet printers and more particularly to capping the nozzles in inkjet printheads. The invention has been developed primarily in relation to a pagewidth printhead and the invention is herein described largely in that context. However, it will be understood that the invention does have broader application, including reciprocating type printheads.
CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
0003The following applications have been filed by the Applicant simultaneously with the present application:
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0005The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference.
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
0006The following patents or patent applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention are hereby incorporated by cross-reference.
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DEFINITIONS
0008The expression “pagewidth printhead” is applicable to a printhead that has a length which extends across substantially the full width of (paper, card, textile or other) media to be printed and which, whilst remaining in a stationary position, is controlled to deposit printing ink across the full print width of advancing print media.
0009The expression “reciprocating printhead” is applicable to a printhead of the type that normally is integrated with an ink cartridge, which is carried by a reciprocating carriage and which is controlled to deposit printing ink whilst scanning across (momentarily) stationary print media.
0010The expression “capping facility” is applicable to a capping mechanism of a type used for capping and, if required, purging ink-delivery nozzles in a pagewidth printhead and to a service station of a type used in the capping and purging of ink-delivery nozzles in a reciprocating printhead.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
0011The printheads of Inkjet printers have a series of nozzles from which individual ink droplets are ejected to deposit on print media to form desired printed images. The nozzles are incorporated in various types of printheads and their proper functioning is critical to the creation of quality images. Thus, any partial or total blockage of even a single nozzle may have a significant impact on a printed image, particularly in the case of a pagewidth printer.
0012The nozzles are prone to blockage due to their exposure to ever-present paper dust and other particulate matter and due to the tendency of ink to dry in the nozzles during, often very short, idle periods. That is, ink which is awaiting delivery from a nozzle forms a meniscus at the nozzle mouth and, when exposed to (frequently warm, dry) air, the ink solvent is evaporated to leave a nozzle blocking deposit.
0013Servicing systems are conventionally employed for maintaining the functionality of printheads, such systems providing one or more of the functions of capping, purging and wiping. Capping involves the covering of idle nozzles to preclude exposure of ink to drying air. Purging is normally effected by sucking deposits from the printhead that block or have the potential to block the nozzles. Wiping is performed in conjunction with the capping and/or purging functions and involves gently sweeping a membrane across the face of the printhead.
0014The majority of conventional inkjet printers, particularly so-called desk top printers, employ reciprocating printheads which, as above mentioned, are driven to traverse across the width of momentarily stationary print media. In these printers, service stations are provided at one side of the printing zone and, on command, the printhead is traversed to the service station where it is docked for such time as servicing is performed and/or the printer is idle. However, inclusion of the service stations increases the total width of the printers and this is recognised as a problem in the context of trends to minimise the size of desk-top printers.
0015Moreover, the above described servicing system cannot feasibly be employed in relation to pagewidth printers which, as above mentioned, have a stationary printhead that extends across the full width of the printing zone. The printhead has a length that effectively defines the printing zone and it cannot be moved outside of that zone for servicing. Furthermore, a pagewidth printhead has a significantly larger surface area and contains a vastly greater number of nozzles than a reciprocating printhead, especially in the case of a large format printer, all of which dictate an entirely different servicing approach from that which has conventionally been adopted.
0016Also, in the case of a pagewidth printer it is most desirable that the printhead be not moved relative to its supporting structure, and this gives rise to the following requirements:
00001. The servicing system must be moved to the printhead to effect a servicing operation.
00002. The servicing system must be moved away from the region of the printhead during a printing operation, to permit passage of print media.
00003. The servicing system should desirably be moved into servicing engagement with the printhead in a manner that minimises the risk of damage being done to the printhead nozzles.
0017Furthermore, capping facilities, whether of the capping mechanism type or the service station type, should advantageously be protected against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material. That is, it has been recognised that contained moisture should be maintained in the capping facility between capping operations, so as to minimise the risk of nozzle blockage during a capping operation. Similarly, contaminating material should be excluded from the capping facility during intervals between capping operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0018In a first aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0019">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0020">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and <br /> (b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0021">(i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0022">(ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0023">(iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0024Optionally at least one capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0025Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.
0026Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0027Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0028In a further aspect the present invention provides printer comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0029">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0030">(i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0005-0002" num="0031">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0032">(b) a capping mechanism having— <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none"><li id="ul0006-0001" num="0033">(i) two capping members located adjacent respective ones of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0006-0002" num="0034">(ii) first actuating mechanisms arranged to move the respective print heads in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0006-0003" num="0035">(iii) second actuating mechanisms arranged to move the capping members rectilinearly in directions normal to the respective print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the respective print heads when the respective print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0036Optionally each of the capping members is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0037Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the respective print heads.
0038Optionally each of the capping members comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0039Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0040In a further aspect there is provided a printer wherein: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none"><li id="ul0007-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li id="ul0008-0001" num="0041">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0008-0002" num="0042">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads;</li><li id="ul0008-0003" num="0043">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from the printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0008-0004" num="0044">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0045In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="none"><li id="ul0009-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0010" list-style="none"><li id="ul0010-0001" num="0046">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0010-0002" num="0047">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head; and</li><li id="ul0010-0003" num="0048">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0049In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0011" list-style="none"><li id="ul0011-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0012" list-style="none"><li id="ul0012-0001" num="0050">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;</li><li id="ul0012-0002" num="0051">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0012-0003" num="0052">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0053In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0013" list-style="none"><li id="ul0013-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0014" list-style="none"><li id="ul0014-0001" num="0054">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0014-0002" num="0055">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0015" list-style="none"><li id="ul0015-0001" num="0056">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0015-0002" num="0057">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0058In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0016" list-style="none"><li id="ul0016-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0017" list-style="none"><li id="ul0017-0001" num="0059">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0017-0002" num="0060">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0017-0003" num="0061">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0062In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; <ul id="ul0018" list-style="none"><li id="ul0018-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0019" list-style="none"><li id="ul0019-0001" num="0063">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0019-0002" num="0064">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0019-0003" num="0065">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0066In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0067In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0020" list-style="none"><li id="ul0020-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0021" list-style="none"><li id="ul0021-0001" num="0068">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate first direction from the first position to the second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0021-0002" num="0069">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0070In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0022" list-style="none"><li id="ul0022-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0023" list-style="none"><li id="ul0023-0001" num="0071">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0023-0002" num="0072">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0023-0003" num="0073">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0023-0004" num="0074">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0023-0005" num="0075">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0076In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0024" list-style="none"><li id="ul0024-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0025" list-style="none"><li id="ul0025-0001" num="0077">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0025-0002" num="0078">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0025-0003" num="0079">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0080In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0026" list-style="none"><li id="ul0026-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0027" list-style="none"><li id="ul0027-0001" num="0081">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0027-0002" num="0082">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0027-0003" num="0083">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0084In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0028" list-style="none"><li id="ul0028-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0029" list-style="none"><li id="ul0029-0001" num="0085">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0029-0002" num="0086">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0087In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0088In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0030" list-style="none"><li id="ul0030-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0031" list-style="none"><li id="ul0031-0001" num="0089">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0031-0002" num="0090">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0091In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0032" list-style="none"><li id="ul0032-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0033" list-style="none"><li id="ul0033-0001" num="0092">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0033-0002" num="0093">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0094In a second aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0034" list-style="none"><li id="ul0034-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0035" list-style="none"><li id="ul0035-0001" num="0095">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0035-0002" num="0096">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and <br /> (b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0035-0003" num="0097">(i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0035-0004" num="0098">(ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0035-0005" num="0099">(iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0100Optionally the at least one capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0101Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.
0102Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0103Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0104In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0036" list-style="none"><li id="ul0036-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0037" list-style="none"><li id="ul0037-0001" num="0105">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0038" list-style="none"><li id="ul0038-0001" num="0106">(i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0038-0002" num="0107">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0037-0002" num="0108">(b) a capping mechanism having— <ul id="ul0039" list-style="none"><li id="ul0039-0001" num="0109">(i) two capping members located adjacent respective ones of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0039-0002" num="0110">(ii) first actuating mechanisms arranged to move the respective print heads in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0039-0003" num="0111">(iii) second actuating mechanisms arranged to move the capping members rectilinearly in a lateral direction relative to the respective print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the respective print heads when the respective print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0112Optionally each of the capping members is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0113Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the respective print heads.
0114Optionally each of the capping members is formed from an elastomeric material and has a body portion, an integrally formed lip portion and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0115Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0116In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0040" list-style="none"><li id="ul0040-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0041" list-style="none"><li id="ul0041-0001" num="0117">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0041-0002" num="0118">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads;</li><li id="ul0041-0003" num="0119">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from the printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0041-0004" num="0120">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0121In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0042" list-style="none"><li id="ul0042-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0043" list-style="none"><li id="ul0043-0001" num="0122">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0043-0002" num="0123">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head; and</li><li id="ul0043-0003" num="0124">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0125In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0044" list-style="none"><li id="ul0044-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0045" list-style="none"><li id="ul0045-0001" num="0126">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;</li><li id="ul0045-0002" num="0127">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0045-0003" num="0128">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0129In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0046" list-style="none"><li id="ul0046-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0047" list-style="none"><li id="ul0047-0001" num="0130">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0047-0002" num="0131">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0048" list-style="none"><li id="ul0048-0001" num="0132">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0048-0002" num="0133">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0134In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0049" list-style="none"><li id="ul0049-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0050" list-style="none"><li id="ul0050-0001" num="0135">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0050-0002" num="0136">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0050-0003" num="0137">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0138In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0051" list-style="none"><li id="ul0051-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0052" list-style="none"><li id="ul0052-0001" num="0139">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0052-0002" num="0140">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0052-0003" num="0141">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0052-0004" num="0142">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0143In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0144In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0053" list-style="none"><li id="ul0053-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0054" list-style="none"><li id="ul0054-0001" num="0145">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate first direction from the first position to the second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0054-0002" num="0146">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0147In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0055" list-style="none"><li id="ul0055-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0056" list-style="none"><li id="ul0056-0001" num="0148">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0056-0002" num="0149">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0056-0003" num="0150">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0056-0004" num="0151">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0056-0005" num="0152">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0153In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0057" list-style="none"><li id="ul0057-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0058" list-style="none"><li id="ul0058-0001" num="0154">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0058-0002" num="0155">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0058-0003" num="0156">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0157In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0059" list-style="none"><li id="ul0059-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0060" list-style="none"><li id="ul0060-0001" num="0158">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0060-0002" num="0159">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0060-0003" num="0160">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0161In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0061" list-style="none"><li id="ul0061-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0062" list-style="none"><li id="ul0062-0001" num="0162">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0062-0002" num="0163">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0164In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0165In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0063" list-style="none"><li id="ul0063-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0064" list-style="none"><li id="ul0064-0001" num="0166">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0064-0002" num="0167">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0168In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0065" list-style="none"><li id="ul0065-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0066" list-style="none"><li id="ul0066-0001" num="0169">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0066-0002" num="0170">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead.</li></ul></li></ul>
0171In a third aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0067" list-style="none"><li id="ul0067-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0068" list-style="none"><li id="ul0068-0001" num="0172">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0069" list-style="none"><li id="ul0069-0001" num="0173">(i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0069-0002" num="0174">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0068-0002" num="0175">(b) a capping mechanism having— <ul id="ul0070" list-style="none"><li id="ul0070-0001" num="0176">(i) a capping member located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0070-0002" num="0177">(ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position and</li><li id="ul0070-0003" num="0178">(iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0179Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect rectilinear movement of the capping member in a lateral direction, relative to the print heads, when moving the capping member from the location adjacent the print heads to the position at which the capping member is interposed between the print heads.
0180Optionally the capping member has two oppositely directed capping portions, respective ones of which are arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement with respective ones of the print heads when in the second position.
0181Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and on which the capping portions are located, wherein each capping portion has a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively on the respective print heads.
0000and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively on the respective print heads.
0182Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0183Optionally wherein the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0184In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0071" list-style="none"><li id="ul0071-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0072" list-style="none"><li id="ul0072-0001" num="0185">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from the first to the second positions; and</li><li id="ul0072-0002" num="0186">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0187In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0073" list-style="none"><li id="ul0073-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0074" list-style="none"><li id="ul0074-0001" num="0188">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from the first to the second positions; and</li><li id="ul0074-0002" num="0189">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0190In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0075" list-style="none"><li id="ul0075-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0076" list-style="none"><li id="ul0076-0001" num="0191">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0076-0002" num="0192">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0076-0003" num="0193">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a capping second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0194In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0077" list-style="none"><li id="ul0077-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0078" list-style="none"><li id="ul0078-0001" num="0195">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from the first to the second positions; and</li><li id="ul0078-0002" num="0196">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0197In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0079" list-style="none"><li id="ul0079-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0080" list-style="none"><li id="ul0080-0001" num="0198">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from the first position to the second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0080-0002" num="0199">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0200In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0081" list-style="none"><li id="ul0081-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0082" list-style="none"><li id="ul0082-0001" num="0201">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0082-0002" num="0202">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0082-0003" num="0203">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0082-0004" num="0204">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0082-0005" num="0205">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0206In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0083" list-style="none"><li id="ul0083-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0084" list-style="none"><li id="ul0084-0001" num="0207">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0084-0002" num="0208">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0084-0003" num="0209">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a capping second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0210In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0085" list-style="none"><li id="ul0085-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0086" list-style="none"><li id="ul0086-0001" num="0211">a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0086-0002" num="0212">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0086-0003" num="0213">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second capping position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0214In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0087" list-style="none"><li id="ul0087-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0088" list-style="none"><li id="ul0088-0001" num="0215">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0088-0002" num="0216">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0217Optionally the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
0218In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0089" list-style="none"><li id="ul0089-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0090" list-style="none"><li id="ul0090-0001" num="0219">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head; and</li><li id="ul0090-0002" num="0220">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0221In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0091" list-style="none"><li id="ul0091-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0092" list-style="none"><li id="ul0092-0001" num="0222">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0092-0002" num="0223">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0224In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0093" list-style="none"><li id="ul0093-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0094" list-style="none"><li id="ul0094-0001" num="0225">(i) a single pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0094-0002" num="0226">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and <br /> (b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0094-0003" num="0227">(i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head, and</li><li id="ul0094-0004" num="0228">(ii) a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0229Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction normal to the direction of transport of print media past the print head.
0230Optionally the capping member when in the first position is located below the print head and wherein the capping member is raised from the first position to the second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.
0231Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having
0000a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and
0000b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion,
0000and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0232Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0233Optionally the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0095" list-style="none"><li id="ul0095-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0096" list-style="none"><li id="ul0096-0001" num="0234">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0096-0002" num="0235">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0236Optionally the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0097" list-style="none"><li id="ul0097-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0098" list-style="none"><li id="ul0098-0001" num="0237">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0098-0002" num="0238">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0239Optionally the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0240Optionally in the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0099" list-style="none"><li id="ul0099-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0100" list-style="none"><li id="ul0100-0001" num="0241">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0100-0002" num="0242">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0100-0003" num="0243">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0100-0004" num="0244">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0100-0005" num="0245">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0246Optionally the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0101" list-style="none"><li id="ul0101-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0102" list-style="none"><li id="ul0102-0001" num="0247">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0102-0002" num="0248">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0102-0003" num="0249">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0250In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0103" list-style="none"><li id="ul0103-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0104" list-style="none"><li id="ul0104-0001" num="0251">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0104-0002" num="0252">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0253In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
0254In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0105" list-style="none"><li id="ul0105-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0106" list-style="none"><li id="ul0106-0001" num="0255">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head; and</li><li id="ul0106-0002" num="0256">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0257In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0107" list-style="none"><li id="ul0107-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0108" list-style="none"><li id="ul0108-0001" num="0258">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0108-0002" num="0259">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0260In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0109" list-style="none"><li id="ul0109-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0110" list-style="none"><li id="ul0110-0001" num="0261">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0111" list-style="none"><li id="ul0111-0001" num="0262">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0111-0002" num="0263">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0110-0002" num="0264">(b) a capping/purging mechanism having— <ul id="ul0112" list-style="none"><li id="ul0112-0001" num="0265">(i) a capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0112-0002" num="0266">(ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0112-0003" num="0267">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0268In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0113" list-style="none"><li id="ul0113-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0114" list-style="none"><li id="ul0114-0001" num="0269">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0115" list-style="none"><li id="ul0115-0001" num="0270">(i) a single pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0115-0002" num="0271">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0114-0002" num="0272">(b) a capping/purging mechanism having— <ul id="ul0116" list-style="none"><li id="ul0116-0001" num="0273">(i) a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,</li><li id="ul0116-0002" num="0274">(ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0116-0003" num="0275">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0276Optionally the capping member when in the first position is located in spaced-apart confronting relationship to the print head.
0277Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect linear transitioning of the capping member from the first position to the second position.
0278Optionally the purging means includes a suction device that is arranged to suck purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0279Optionally the capping member is formed with
0000a) an elastomeric material a lip portion and
0000b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion,
0000and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0280Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0281Optionally a chamber is located within the capping member and is connected in fluid passage communication with the cavity, and wherein the chamber is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0282Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a
0000direction normal to the direction of transport of print media past the print head.
0283Optionally the capping member when in the first position is located below the print head and wherein the capping member is raised from the first position to the second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.
0284In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0117" list-style="none"><li id="ul0117-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0118" list-style="none"><li id="ul0118-0001" num="0285">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0118-0002" num="0286">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0287In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0119" list-style="none"><li id="ul0119-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0120" list-style="none"><li id="ul0120-0001" num="0288">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0120-0002" num="0289">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0290In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0121" list-style="none"><li id="ul0121-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0122" list-style="none"><li id="ul0122-0001" num="0291">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0122-0002" num="0292">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads;</li><li id="ul0122-0003" num="0293">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0122-0004" num="0294">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0295In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0123" list-style="none"><li id="ul0123-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0124" list-style="none"><li id="ul0124-0001" num="0296">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0124-0002" num="0297">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0298In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0125" list-style="none"><li id="ul0125-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0126" list-style="none"><li id="ul0126-0001" num="0299">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0126-0002" num="0300">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0127" list-style="none"><li id="ul0127-0001" num="0301">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a capping second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0127-0002" num="0302">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0303In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0128" list-style="none"><li id="ul0128-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0129" list-style="none"><li id="ul0129-0001" num="0304">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0129-0002" num="0305">the capping member is located in the non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0129-0003" num="0306">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0307In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0130" list-style="none"><li id="ul0130-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0131" list-style="none"><li id="ul0131-0001" num="0308">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0131-0002" num="0309">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0310In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0132" list-style="none"><li id="ul0132-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0133" list-style="none"><li id="ul0133-0001" num="0311">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0133-0002" num="0312">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0313In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0134" list-style="none"><li id="ul0134-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0135" list-style="none"><li id="ul0135-0001" num="0314">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0135-0002" num="0315">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0316In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0136" list-style="none"><li id="ul0136-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0137" list-style="none"><li id="ul0137-0001" num="0317">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0137-0002" num="0318">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0137-0003" num="0319">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0137-0004" num="0320">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0137-0005" num="0321">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0322In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0138" list-style="none"><li id="ul0138-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0139" list-style="none"><li id="ul0139-0001" num="0323">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0139-0002" num="0324">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0139-0003" num="0325">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0326In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0140" list-style="none"><li id="ul0140-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0141" list-style="none"><li id="ul0141-0001" num="0327">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0141-0002" num="0328">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0141-0003" num="0329">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0330In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0142" list-style="none"><li id="ul0142-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0143" list-style="none"><li id="ul0143-0001" num="0331">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0143-0002" num="0332">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0333In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0334In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0144" list-style="none"><li id="ul0144-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0145" list-style="none"><li id="ul0145-0001" num="0335">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0145-0002" num="0336">the capping/purging mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0337In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0146" list-style="none"><li id="ul0146-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0147" list-style="none"><li id="ul0147-0001" num="0338">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0147-0002" num="0339">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0340In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0148" list-style="none"><li id="ul0148-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0149" list-style="none"><li id="ul0149-0001" num="0341">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—</li><li id="ul0149-0002" num="0342">(i) two offset pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0149-0003" num="0343">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li><li id="ul0149-0004" num="0344">(b) a capping mechanism having—</li><li id="ul0149-0005" num="0345">(i) a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head, and</li><li id="ul0149-0006" num="0346">(ii) an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0347Optionally the print heads are orientated in mutually opposite directions and are arranged to deliver ink onto opposite faces of print media as it is transported between the print heads
0348Optionally the capping members when in the first position are located in vertical spaced relationship to the respective print heads and are located one at each side of the plane of print media feed through the printer.
0349Optionally the respective actuating mechanisms are arranged to effect transitioning of the associated capping members in a direction normal to the direction of transport of print media past the respective print heads.
0350Optionally each said capping member comprises
0000a) an elastomeric material lip portion and
0000b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion,
0000<ul id="ul0150" list-style="none"><li id="ul0150-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0151" list-style="none"><li id="ul0151-0001" num="0351">and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.</li></ul></li></ul>
0352Optionally each said capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0353In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0152" list-style="none"><li id="ul0152-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0153" list-style="none"><li id="ul0153-0001" num="0354">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0153-0002" num="0355">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0356In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0154" list-style="none"><li id="ul0154-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0155" list-style="none"><li id="ul0155-0001" num="0357">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0155-0002" num="0358">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0359In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0360In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0156" list-style="none"><li id="ul0156-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0157" list-style="none"><li id="ul0157-0001" num="0361">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0157-0002" num="0362">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping members in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0363In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0158" list-style="none"><li id="ul0158-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0159" list-style="none"><li id="ul0159-0001" num="0364">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print heads in an arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0159-0002" num="0365">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping members in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0366In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0160" list-style="none"><li id="ul0160-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0161" list-style="none"><li id="ul0161-0001" num="0367">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0161-0002" num="0368">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0161-0003" num="0369">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0161-0004" num="0370">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0161-0005" num="0371">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0372In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0162" list-style="none"><li id="ul0162-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0163" list-style="none"><li id="ul0163-0001" num="0373">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0163-0002" num="0374">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0163-0003" num="0375">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0376In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0164" list-style="none"><li id="ul0164-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0165" list-style="none"><li id="ul0165-0001" num="0377">a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0165-0002" num="0378">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0165-0003" num="0379">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0380In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0166" list-style="none"><li id="ul0166-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0167" list-style="none"><li id="ul0167-0001" num="0381">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0167-0002" num="0382">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0383In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
0384In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0168" list-style="none"><li id="ul0168-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0169" list-style="none"><li id="ul0169-0001" num="0385">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head; and</li><li id="ul0169-0002" num="0386">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0387In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0170" list-style="none"><li id="ul0170-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0171" list-style="none"><li id="ul0171-0001" num="0388">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0171-0002" num="0389">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0390In a seventh aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0172" list-style="none"><li id="ul0172-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0173" list-style="none"><li id="ul0173-0001" num="0391">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—</li><li id="ul0173-0002" num="0392">(i) a single pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0173-0003" num="0393">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li><li id="ul0173-0004" num="0394">(b) a capping mechanism having—</li><li id="ul0173-0005" num="0395">(i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head, and</li><li id="ul0173-0006" num="0396">(ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0397Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction approximately normal to the direction of transport of print media past the print head.
0398Optionally the capping member when in the first position is located below the print head and wherein the capping member is raised in the arcuate direction from the first position to the second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.
0399Optionally the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0174" list-style="none"><li id="ul0174-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0175" list-style="none"><li id="ul0175-0001" num="0400">a) an elastomeric material lip portion and</li><li id="ul0175-0002" num="0401">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion,</li><li id="ul0175-0003" num="0402">and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.</li></ul></li></ul>
0403Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0404Optionally the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0176" list-style="none"><li id="ul0176-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0177" list-style="none"><li id="ul0177-0001" num="0405">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0177-0002" num="0406">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0407In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0178" list-style="none"><li id="ul0178-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0179" list-style="none"><li id="ul0179-0001" num="0408">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0179-0002" num="0409">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0410In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0180" list-style="none"><li id="ul0180-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0181" list-style="none"><li id="ul0181-0001" num="0411">the capping member is located in the non-capping first position adjacent the print head; and</li><li id="ul0181-0002" num="0412">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0413In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0182" list-style="none"><li id="ul0182-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0183" list-style="none"><li id="ul0183-0001" num="0414">the capping member is located in the non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0183-0002" num="0415">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0183-0003" num="0416">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0417In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0184" list-style="none"><li id="ul0184-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0185" list-style="none"><li id="ul0185-0001" num="0418">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0185-0002" num="0419">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0420In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0186" list-style="none"><li id="ul0186-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0187" list-style="none"><li id="ul0187-0001" num="0421">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0187-0002" num="0422">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0423In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0188" list-style="none"><li id="ul0188-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0189" list-style="none"><li id="ul0189-0001" num="0424">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0189-0002" num="0425">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0189-0003" num="0426">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0189-0004" num="0427">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0189-0005" num="0428">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0429In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0190" list-style="none"><li id="ul0190-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0191" list-style="none"><li id="ul0191-0001" num="0430">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0191-0002" num="0431">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0191-0003" num="0432">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0433In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0192" list-style="none"><li id="ul0192-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0193" list-style="none"><li id="ul0193-0001" num="0434">a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0193-0002" num="0435">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0193-0003" num="0436">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0437In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0194" list-style="none"><li id="ul0194-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0195" list-style="none"><li id="ul0195-0001" num="0438">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0195-0002" num="0439">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0440In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
0441In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0196" list-style="none"><li id="ul0196-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0197" list-style="none"><li id="ul0197-0001" num="0442">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head; and</li><li id="ul0197-0002" num="0443">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0444In a further aspect there is provided a printer wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0198" list-style="none"><li id="ul0198-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0199" list-style="none"><li id="ul0199-0001" num="0445">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0199-0002" num="0446">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0447In an eighth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0200" list-style="none"><li id="ul0200-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0201" list-style="none"><li id="ul0201-0001" num="0448">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0202" list-style="none"><li id="ul0202-0001" num="0449">(i) a single pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0202-0002" num="0450">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0201-0002" num="0451">(b) a capping/purging mechanism having— <ul id="ul0203" list-style="none"><li id="ul0203-0001" num="0452">(i) a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,</li><li id="ul0203-0002" num="0453">(ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0203-0003" num="0454">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0455Optionally the capping member when in the first position is located in spaced-apart substantially confronting relationship to the print head.
0456Optionally the purging means includes a suction device that is arranged to suck purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0457Optionally the capping member comprises
0000a) an elastomeric material a lip portion and
0000b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion,
0000and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0458Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0459Optionally a chamber is located within the capping member and is connected in fluid passage communication with the cavity, and wherein the chamber is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.
0460Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction approximately normal to the direction of transport of print media past the print head.
0461In a further aspect there is provided a printer wherein the capping member when in the first position is located below the print head and wherein the capping member is raised in the arcuate direction from the first position to the second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.
0462In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0204" list-style="none"><li id="ul0204-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0205" list-style="none"><li id="ul0205-0001" num="0463">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0205-0002" num="0464">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0465In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0206" list-style="none"><li id="ul0206-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0207" list-style="none"><li id="ul0207-0001" num="0466">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0207-0002" num="0467">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a lateral direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0468In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is located in the non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head.
0469In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0208" list-style="none"><li id="ul0208-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0209" list-style="none"><li id="ul0209-0001" num="0470">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0209-0002" num="0471">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0472In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0210" list-style="none"><li id="ul0210-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0211" list-style="none"><li id="ul0211-0001" num="0473">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0211-0002" num="0474">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0475In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0212" list-style="none"><li id="ul0212-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0213" list-style="none"><li id="ul0213-0001" num="0476">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0213-0002" num="0477">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0213-0003" num="0478">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0213-0004" num="0479">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0213-0005" num="0480">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0481In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0214" list-style="none"><li id="ul0214-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0215" list-style="none"><li id="ul0215-0001" num="0482">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0215-0002" num="0483">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0215-0003" num="0484">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0485In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0216" list-style="none"><li id="ul0216-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0217" list-style="none"><li id="ul0217-0001" num="0486">a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0217-0002" num="0487">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0217-0003" num="0488">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from the non-capping first position to the second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0489In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0218" list-style="none"><li id="ul0218-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0219" list-style="none"><li id="ul0219-0001" num="0490">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0219-0002" num="0491">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0492In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
0493In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0220" list-style="none"><li id="ul0220-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0221" list-style="none"><li id="ul0221-0001" num="0494">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head; and</li><li id="ul0221-0002" num="0495">the capping/purging mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0496In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0222" list-style="none"><li id="ul0222-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0223" list-style="none"><li id="ul0223-0001" num="0497">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0223-0002" num="0498">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0499In a ninth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0224" list-style="none"><li id="ul0224-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0225" list-style="none"><li id="ul0225-0001" num="0500">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0225-0002" num="0501">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and <br /> (b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0225-0003" num="0502">(i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0225-0004" num="0503">(ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0225-0005" num="0504">(iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0505Optionally the at least one capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0506Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.
0507Optionally wherein the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0508Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0509In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0226" list-style="none"><li id="ul0226-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0227" list-style="none"><li id="ul0227-0001" num="0510">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0228" list-style="none"><li id="ul0228-0001" num="0511">(i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0228-0002" num="0512">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0227-0002" num="0513">(b) a capping mechanism having— <ul id="ul0229" list-style="none"><li id="ul0229-0001" num="0514">(i) two capping members located adjacent respective ones of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0229-0002" num="0515">(ii) first actuating mechanisms arranged to move the respective print heads in an arcuate first direction from a first to a second position and</li><li id="ul0229-0003" num="0516">(iii) second actuating mechanisms arranged to move the capping members in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the respective print heads when the respective print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0517Optionally each of the capping members is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0518Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the respective print heads.
0519Optionally each of the capping members comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
0520Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0521Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0522Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0523In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0230" list-style="none"><li id="ul0230-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0231" list-style="none"><li id="ul0231-0001" num="0524">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0231-0002" num="0525">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads;</li><li id="ul0231-0003" num="0526">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from the printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0231-0004" num="0527">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0528In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0232" list-style="none"><li id="ul0232-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0233" list-style="none"><li id="ul0233-0001" num="0529">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;</li><li id="ul0233-0002" num="0530">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0233-0003" num="0531">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0532In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0234" list-style="none"><li id="ul0234-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0235" list-style="none"><li id="ul0235-0001" num="0533">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0235-0002" num="0534">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0236" list-style="none"><li id="ul0236-0001" num="0535">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0236-0002" num="0536">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0537In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0237" list-style="none"><li id="ul0237-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0238" list-style="none"><li id="ul0238-0001" num="0538">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0238-0002" num="0539">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0238-0003" num="0540">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0541In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0239" list-style="none"><li id="ul0239-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0240" list-style="none"><li id="ul0240-0001" num="0542">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0240-0002" num="0543">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0240-0003" num="0544">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0240-0004" num="0545">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0546In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0241" list-style="none"><li id="ul0241-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0242" list-style="none"><li id="ul0242-0001" num="0547">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate first direction from the first position to the second position and a third position; and</li><li id="ul0242-0002" num="0548">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0549In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0243" list-style="none"><li id="ul0243-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0244" list-style="none"><li id="ul0244-0001" num="0550">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0244-0002" num="0551">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0244-0003" num="0552">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0244-0004" num="0553">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0244-0005" num="0554">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0555In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0245" list-style="none"><li id="ul0245-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0246" list-style="none"><li id="ul0246-0001" num="0556">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0246-0002" num="0557">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0246-0003" num="0558">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0559In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0247" list-style="none"><li id="ul0247-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0248" list-style="none"><li id="ul0248-0001" num="0560">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0248-0002" num="0561">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0248-0003" num="0562">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0563In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0249" list-style="none"><li id="ul0249-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0250" list-style="none"><li id="ul0250-0001" num="0564">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0250-0002" num="0565">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0566In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0567In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0251" list-style="none"><li id="ul0251-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0252" list-style="none"><li id="ul0252-0001" num="0568">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0252-0002" num="0569">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0570In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0253" list-style="none"><li id="ul0253-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0254" list-style="none"><li id="ul0254-0001" num="0571">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0254-0002" num="0572">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0573In a tenth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0255" list-style="none"><li id="ul0255-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0256" list-style="none"><li id="ul0256-0001" num="0574">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0257" list-style="none"><li id="ul0257-0001" num="0575">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0257-0002" num="0576">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0256-0002" num="0577">(b) a capping/purging mechanism having— <ul id="ul0258" list-style="none"><li id="ul0258-0001" num="0578">(i) at least one capping/purging member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0258-0002" num="0579">(ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0258-0003" num="0580">(iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping/purging member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0581Optionally the at least one capping/purging member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0582Optionally the at least one capping/purging member comprises conjoined member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.
0583Optionally the at least one capping/purging member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material, a capping cavity surrounded by the lip portion, a purging chamber also surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0584Optionally the capping cavity and the purging chamber form integral portions of the capping/purging member.
0585Optionally the purging chamber in the at least one capping/purging member is connected to a suction device.
0586Optionally the purging chamber is connected to the suction device by a way of an extractor tube.
0587Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0588In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0259" list-style="none"><li id="ul0259-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0260" list-style="none"><li id="ul0260-0001" num="0589">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0261" list-style="none"><li id="ul0261-0001" num="0590">(i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and</li><li id="ul0261-0002" num="0591">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0260-0002" num="0592">(b) a capping/purging mechanism having— <ul id="ul0262" list-style="none"><li id="ul0262-0001" num="0593">(i) two capping members located adjacent respective ones of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0262-0002" num="0594">(ii) first actuating mechanisms arranged to move the respective print heads in an arcuate first direction from a first to second and third positions and</li><li id="ul0262-0003" num="0595">(iii) second actuating mechanisms arranged to move the capping members in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the respective print heads when the respective print heads are in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the print heads are in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0596Optionally each said capping/purging member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
0597Optionally each said capping/purging member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of each of the print heads.
0598Optionally each said capping/purging member has a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material, a capping cavity surrounded by the lip portion, a purging chamber also surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0599Optionally the capping cavity and the purging chamber form integral portions of the capping/purging member.
0600Optionally the purging chamber in each said capping/purging member is connected to a suction device.
0601Optionally the purging chamber is connected to the suction device by a way of an extractor tube.
0602Optionally the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.
0603Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping/purging member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0604Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping/purging member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.
0605In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0263" list-style="none"><li id="ul0263-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0264" list-style="none"><li id="ul0264-0001" num="0606">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0264-0002" num="0607">the capping/purging member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads;</li><li id="ul0264-0003" num="0608">the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from the printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0264-0004" num="0609">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping/purging member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0610In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0265" list-style="none"><li id="ul0265-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0266" list-style="none"><li id="ul0266-0001" num="0611">the capping/purging member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;</li><li id="ul0266-0002" num="0612">the capping/purging mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping/purging member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0266-0003" num="0613">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping/purging member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping/purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0614In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0267" list-style="none"><li id="ul0267-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0268" list-style="none"><li id="ul0268-0001" num="0615">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0268-0002" num="0616">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0269" list-style="none"><li id="ul0269-0001" num="0617">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0269-0002" num="0618">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0619In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0270" list-style="none"><li id="ul0270-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0271" list-style="none"><li id="ul0271-0001" num="0620">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0271-0002" num="0621">the capping/purging member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0271-0003" num="0622">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping/purging member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping/purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0623In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0272" list-style="none"><li id="ul0272-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0273" list-style="none"><li id="ul0273-0001" num="0624">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0273-0002" num="0625">the capping/purging member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0273-0003" num="0626">the capping/purging mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping/purging member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0273-0004" num="0627">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping/purging member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping/purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0628In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0274" list-style="none"><li id="ul0274-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0275" list-style="none"><li id="ul0275-0001" num="0629">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0275-0002" num="0630">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0275-0003" num="0631">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0275-0004" num="0632">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0275-0005" num="0633">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0634In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0276" list-style="none"><li id="ul0276-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0277" list-style="none"><li id="ul0277-0001" num="0635">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0277-0002" num="0636">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0277-0003" num="0637">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0638In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0278" list-style="none"><li id="ul0278-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0279" list-style="none"><li id="ul0279-0001" num="0639">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0279-0002" num="0640">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0279-0003" num="0641">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0642In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0280" list-style="none"><li id="ul0280-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0281" list-style="none"><li id="ul0281-0001" num="0643">the capping/purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0281-0002" num="0644">the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping/purging member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping/purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0645In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping/purging member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0646In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0282" list-style="none"><li id="ul0282-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0283" list-style="none"><li id="ul0283-0001" num="0647">the capping/purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping/purging member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0283-0002" num="0648">the capping/purging mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0649In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging member comprises: <ul id="ul0284" list-style="none"><li id="ul0284-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0285" list-style="none"><li id="ul0285-0001" num="0650">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0285-0002" num="0651">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0652In an eleventh aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0286" list-style="none"><li id="ul0286-0001" num="0653">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0287" list-style="none"><li id="ul0287-0001" num="0654">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0287-0002" num="0655">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0286-0002" num="0656">(b) a capping/purging mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0288" list-style="none"><li id="ul0288-0001" num="0657">(i) a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0288-0002" num="0658">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0288-0003" num="0659">(iii) a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0288-0004" num="0660">(iv) a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0288-0005" num="0661">(v) a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0662Optionally a longitudinally extending platen also is carried by the turret and wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect rotation of the turret to a position at which the platen is located in aligned spaced-apart relationship with the at least one print head.
0663In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0289" list-style="none"><li id="ul0289-0001" num="0664">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0290" list-style="none"><li id="ul0290-0001" num="0665">(i) a pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0290-0002" num="0666">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0289-0002" num="0667">(b) a capping/purging mechanism associated with the print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0291" list-style="none"><li id="ul0291-0001" num="0668">(i) a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0291-0002" num="0669">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0291-0003" num="0670">(iii) a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0291-0004" num="0671">(iv) a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0291-0005" num="0672">(v) a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0673Optionally a longitudinally extending platen also is carried by the turret and wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to effect rotation of the turret to a position at which the platen is located in aligned spaced-apart relationship with the print head.
0674Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0675Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0676Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0677Optionally the purging chamber comprises a longitudinally extending member and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0678Optionally the purging chamber comprises conjoined member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0679Optionally the purging chamber comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0680Optionally the turret has a generally triangular cross-section and wherein the platen, the capping member and the purging chamber are located on respective sides of the turret.
0681In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0292" list-style="none"><li id="ul0292-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0293" list-style="none"><li id="ul0293-0001" num="0682">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0293-0002" num="0683">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0293-0003" num="0684">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0685In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0294" list-style="none"><li id="ul0294-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0295" list-style="none"><li id="ul0295-0001" num="0686">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0295-0002" num="0687">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0295-0003" num="0688">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0689In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0296" list-style="none"><li id="ul0296-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0297" list-style="none"><li id="ul0297-0001" num="0690">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0297-0002" num="0691">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0298" list-style="none"><li id="ul0298-0001" num="0692">a capping member located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0298-0002" num="0693">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position, and</li><li id="ul0298-0003" num="0694">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0695In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0299" list-style="none"><li id="ul0299-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0300" list-style="none"><li id="ul0300-0001" num="0696">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0300-0002" num="0697">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0301" list-style="none"><li id="ul0301-0001" num="0698">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head, and</li><li id="ul0301-0002" num="0699">a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0700In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0302" list-style="none"><li id="ul0302-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0303" list-style="none"><li id="ul0303-0001" num="0701">a capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0303-0002" num="0702">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0303-0003" num="0703">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0704In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0304" list-style="none"><li id="ul0304-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0305" list-style="none"><li id="ul0305-0001" num="0705">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0305-0002" num="0706">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0306" list-style="none"><li id="ul0306-0001" num="0707">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head, and</li><li id="ul0306-0002" num="0708">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0709In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0307" list-style="none"><li id="ul0307-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0308" list-style="none"><li id="ul0308-0001" num="0710">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0308-0002" num="0711">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0309" list-style="none"><li id="ul0309-0001" num="0712">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head, and</li><li id="ul0309-0002" num="0713">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0714In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0310" list-style="none"><li id="ul0310-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0311" list-style="none"><li id="ul0311-0001" num="0715">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0311-0002" num="0716">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0312" list-style="none"><li id="ul0312-0001" num="0717">a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,</li><li id="ul0312-0002" num="0718">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0312-0003" num="0719">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0720In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0313" list-style="none"><li id="ul0313-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0314" list-style="none"><li id="ul0314-0001" num="0721">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0314-0002" num="0722">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0314-0003" num="0723">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0724In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0315" list-style="none"><li id="ul0315-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0316" list-style="none"><li id="ul0316-0001" num="0725">at least one capping/purging member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0316-0002" num="0726">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0316-0003" num="0727">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping/purging member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0728In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0729In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0317" list-style="none"><li id="ul0317-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0318" list-style="none"><li id="ul0318-0001" num="0730">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0318-0002" num="0731">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0318-0003" num="0732">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0733In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0319" list-style="none"><li id="ul0319-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0320" list-style="none"><li id="ul0320-0001" num="0734">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0320-0002" num="0735">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0736In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0737In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0321" list-style="none"><li id="ul0321-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0322" list-style="none"><li id="ul0322-0001" num="0738">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0322-0002" num="0739">a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0740In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0323" list-style="none"><li id="ul0323-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0324" list-style="none"><li id="ul0324-0001" num="0741">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0324-0002" num="0742">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0743In a twelfth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0325" list-style="none"><li id="ul0325-0001" num="0744">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0326" list-style="none"><li id="ul0326-0001" num="0745">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0326-0002" num="0746">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0325-0002" num="0747">(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0327" list-style="none"><li id="ul0327-0001" num="0748">(i) a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0327-0002" num="0749">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret and</li><li id="ul0327-0003" num="0750">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0751Optionally the turret incorporates a purging chamber which is aligned with the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the first position.
0752In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0328" list-style="none"><li id="ul0328-0001" num="0753">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having— <ul id="ul0329" list-style="none"><li id="ul0329-0001" num="0754">(i) a pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0329-0002" num="0755">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li></ul></li><li id="ul0328-0002" num="0756">(b) a capping mechanism associated with the print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0330" list-style="none"><li id="ul0330-0001" num="0757">(i) a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0330-0002" num="0758">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret and</li><li id="ul0330-0003" num="0759">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0760Optionally the turret incorporates a purging chamber which is aligned with the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the first position.
0761Optionally the turret has a longitudinally extending substantially flat land portion that locates adjacent the print head when the capping member is in the non-capping first position.
0762Optionally the capping member is carried by an eccentric land portion of the turret.
0763Optionally the purging chamber is located interiorly of the turret.
0764Optionally the purging chamber opens to the flat land portion of the turret by way of a port.
0765Optionally the purging chamber is connected to a suction device.
0766Optionally the flat land portion of the turret effectively forms a platen when the capping member is in the first position.
0767Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0768Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0769Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
0770Optionally the capping member is carried by an eccentric land portion of the turret.
0771In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0331" list-style="none"><li id="ul0331-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0332" list-style="none"><li id="ul0332-0001" num="0772">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0332-0002" num="0773">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0332-0003" num="0774">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0775In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0333" list-style="none"><li id="ul0333-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0334" list-style="none"><li id="ul0334-0001" num="0776">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0334-0002" num="0777">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0334-0003" num="0778">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0779In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0335" list-style="none"><li id="ul0335-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0336" list-style="none"><li id="ul0336-0001" num="0780">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0336-0002" num="0781">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0337" list-style="none"><li id="ul0337-0001" num="0782">a capping member located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0337-0002" num="0783">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position, and</li><li id="ul0337-0003" num="0784">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0785In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0338" list-style="none"><li id="ul0338-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0339" list-style="none"><li id="ul0339-0001" num="0786">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0339-0002" num="0787">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0340" list-style="none"><li id="ul0340-0001" num="0788">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head, and</li><li id="ul0340-0002" num="0789">a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0790In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0341" list-style="none"><li id="ul0341-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0342" list-style="none"><li id="ul0342-0001" num="0791">a capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0342-0002" num="0792">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0342-0003" num="0793">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0794In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0343" list-style="none"><li id="ul0343-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0344" list-style="none"><li id="ul0344-0001" num="0795">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0344-0002" num="0796">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0345" list-style="none"><li id="ul0345-0001" num="0797">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head, and</li><li id="ul0345-0002" num="0798">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0799In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0346" list-style="none"><li id="ul0346-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0347" list-style="none"><li id="ul0347-0001" num="0800">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0347-0002" num="0801">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0348" list-style="none"><li id="ul0348-0001" num="0802">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head, and</li><li id="ul0348-0002" num="0803">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0804In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0349" list-style="none"><li id="ul0349-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0350" list-style="none"><li id="ul0350-0001" num="0805">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0350-0002" num="0806">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0351" list-style="none"><li id="ul0351-0001" num="0807">a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,</li><li id="ul0351-0002" num="0808">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0351-0003" num="0809">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0810In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0352" list-style="none"><li id="ul0352-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0353" list-style="none"><li id="ul0353-0001" num="0811">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0353-0002" num="0812">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0353-0003" num="0813">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0814In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0354" list-style="none"><li id="ul0354-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0355" list-style="none"><li id="ul0355-0001" num="0815">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0355-0002" num="0816">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0355-0003" num="0817">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0818In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0356" list-style="none"><li id="ul0356-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0357" list-style="none"><li id="ul0357-0001" num="0819">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0357-0002" num="0820">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0357-0003" num="0821">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0822In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0358" list-style="none"><li id="ul0358-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0359" list-style="none"><li id="ul0359-0001" num="0823">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0359-0002" num="0824">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0359-0003" num="0825">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0826In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0360" list-style="none"><li id="ul0360-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0361" list-style="none"><li id="ul0361-0001" num="0827">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0361-0002" num="0828">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0829In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0830In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0362" list-style="none"><li id="ul0362-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0363" list-style="none"><li id="ul0363-0001" num="0831">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0363-0002" num="0832">a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0833In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0364" list-style="none"><li id="ul0364-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0365" list-style="none"><li id="ul0365-0001" num="0834">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0365-0002" num="0835">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0836In a thirteenth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0366" list-style="none"><li id="ul0366-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0367" list-style="none"><li id="ul0367-0001" num="0837">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—</li><li id="ul0367-0002" num="0838">(i) at least one pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0367-0003" num="0839">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0367-0004" num="0840">(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0368" list-style="none"><li id="ul0368-0001" num="0841">(i) a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0368-0002" num="0842">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0368-0003" num="0843">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0844Optionally the carrier incorporates a purging chamber into which material may be purged from the print head nozzles.
0845In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising: <ul id="ul0369" list-style="none"><li id="ul0369-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0370" list-style="none"><li id="ul0370-0001" num="0846">(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—</li><li id="ul0370-0002" num="0847">(i) a pagewidth print head and</li><li id="ul0370-0003" num="0848">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and</li><li id="ul0370-0004" num="0849">(b) a capping mechanism associated with the print head and comprising— <ul id="ul0371" list-style="none"><li id="ul0371-0001" num="0850">(i) a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,</li><li id="ul0371-0002" num="0851">(ii) a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0371-0003" num="0852">(iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0853Optionally the carrier incorporates a purging chamber into which material may be purged from the print head nozzles.
0854Optionally the purging chamber is connected to a suction device.
0855Optionally the carrier is positioned in confronting relationship to the print head and is spaced from the print head to form a lower margin of a passage for print media that, in use, is transported past the print head
0856Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed from an elastomeric material and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the print head nozzles.
0857In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0372" list-style="none"><li id="ul0372-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0373" list-style="none"><li id="ul0373-0001" num="0858">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0373-0002" num="0859">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0373-0003" num="0860">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0861In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0374" list-style="none"><li id="ul0374-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0375" list-style="none"><li id="ul0375-0001" num="0862">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0375-0002" num="0863">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0375-0003" num="0864">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0865In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0376" list-style="none"><li id="ul0376-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0377" list-style="none"><li id="ul0377-0001" num="0866">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0377-0002" num="0867">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0378" list-style="none"><li id="ul0378-0001" num="0868">a capping member located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,</li><li id="ul0378-0002" num="0869">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position, and</li><li id="ul0378-0003" num="0870">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0871In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0379" list-style="none"><li id="ul0379-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0380" list-style="none"><li id="ul0380-0001" num="0872">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0380-0002" num="0873">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0381" list-style="none"><li id="ul0381-0001" num="0874">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head, and</li><li id="ul0381-0002" num="0875">a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0876In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0382" list-style="none"><li id="ul0382-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0383" list-style="none"><li id="ul0383-0001" num="0877">a capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0383-0002" num="0878">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0383-0003" num="0879">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0880In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0384" list-style="none"><li id="ul0384-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0385" list-style="none"><li id="ul0385-0001" num="0881">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0385-0002" num="0882">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0386" list-style="none"><li id="ul0386-0001" num="0883">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head, and</li><li id="ul0386-0002" num="0884">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0885In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0387" list-style="none"><li id="ul0387-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0388" list-style="none"><li id="ul0388-0001" num="0886">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0388-0002" num="0887">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0389" list-style="none"><li id="ul0389-0001" num="0888">a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head, and</li><li id="ul0389-0002" num="0889">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0890In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0390" list-style="none"><li id="ul0390-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0391" list-style="none"><li id="ul0391-0001" num="0891">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; and</li><li id="ul0391-0002" num="0892">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0392" list-style="none"><li id="ul0392-0001" num="0893">a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and being located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,</li><li id="ul0392-0002" num="0894">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0392-0003" num="0895">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0896In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0393" list-style="none"><li id="ul0393-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0394" list-style="none"><li id="ul0394-0001" num="0897">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0394-0002" num="0898">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0394-0003" num="0899">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0900In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0395" list-style="none"><li id="ul0395-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0396" list-style="none"><li id="ul0396-0001" num="0901">at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0396-0002" num="0902">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0396-0003" num="0903">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0904In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0397" list-style="none"><li id="ul0397-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0398" list-style="none"><li id="ul0398-0001" num="0905">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0398-0002" num="0906">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0398-0003" num="0907">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0908In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0399" list-style="none"><li id="ul0399-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0400" list-style="none"><li id="ul0400-0001" num="0909">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0400-0002" num="0910">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0400-0003" num="0911">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0912In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0401" list-style="none"><li id="ul0401-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0402" list-style="none"><li id="ul0402-0001" num="0913">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0402-0002" num="0914">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0915In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0916In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0403" list-style="none"><li id="ul0403-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0404" list-style="none"><li id="ul0404-0001" num="0917">a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0404-0002" num="0918">a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0919In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0405" list-style="none"><li id="ul0405-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0406" list-style="none"><li id="ul0406-0001" num="0920">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0406-0002" num="0921">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0922In a fourteenth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and
0000ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0923In a further aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and
0000ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0924In a further aspect the present invention provides printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) two pagewidth print heads and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported between the print heads, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the print heads and comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print heads, and
0000ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to position the capping member between the two print heads and in nozzle capping engagement with the print heads.
0925Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
0926Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
0927Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
0928Optionally fluid delivery means are provided for delivering a fluid to a region between the multiple layers of the capping member.
0929Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
0930Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
0931Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
0932Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
0933In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0407" list-style="none"><li id="ul0407-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0408" list-style="none"><li id="ul0408-0001" num="0934">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0408-0002" num="0935">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0936In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0409" list-style="none"><li id="ul0409-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0410" list-style="none"><li id="ul0410-0001" num="0937">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0410-0002" num="0938">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0939In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0411" list-style="none"><li id="ul0411-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0412" list-style="none"><li id="ul0412-0001" num="0940">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0412-0002" num="0941">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0412-0003" num="0942">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0413" list-style="none"><li id="ul0413-0001" num="0943">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0413-0002" num="0944">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0945In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0414" list-style="none"><li id="ul0414-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0415" list-style="none"><li id="ul0415-0001" num="0946">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0415-0002" num="0947">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head; and</li><li id="ul0415-0003" num="0948">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0949In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0416" list-style="none"><li id="ul0416-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0417" list-style="none"><li id="ul0417-0001" num="0950">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;</li><li id="ul0417-0002" num="0951">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0417-0003" num="0952">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0953In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0418" list-style="none"><li id="ul0418-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0419" list-style="none"><li id="ul0419-0001" num="0954">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0419-0002" num="0955">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0420" list-style="none"><li id="ul0420-0001" num="0956">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0420-0002" num="0957">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
0958In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0421" list-style="none"><li id="ul0421-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0422" list-style="none"><li id="ul0422-0001" num="0959">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0422-0002" num="0960">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0422-0003" num="0961">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0962In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0423" list-style="none"><li id="ul0423-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0424" list-style="none"><li id="ul0424-0001" num="0963">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0424-0002" num="0964">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;</li><li id="ul0424-0003" num="0965">the capping mechanism further has purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0424-0004" num="0966">the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0967In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0425" list-style="none"><li id="ul0425-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0426" list-style="none"><li id="ul0426-0001" num="0968">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0426-0002" num="0969">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0970In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0427" list-style="none"><li id="ul0427-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0428" list-style="none"><li id="ul0428-0001" num="0971">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0428-0002" num="0972">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
0973In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0429" list-style="none"><li id="ul0429-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0430" list-style="none"><li id="ul0430-0001" num="0974">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0430-0002" num="0975">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0430-0003" num="0976">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0430-0004" num="0977">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0430-0005" num="0978">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0979In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0431" list-style="none"><li id="ul0431-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0432" list-style="none"><li id="ul0432-0001" num="0980">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0432-0002" num="0981">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0432-0003" num="0982">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0983In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0433" list-style="none"><li id="ul0433-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0434" list-style="none"><li id="ul0434-0001" num="0984">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0434-0002" num="0985">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0434-0003" num="0986">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0987In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0988In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0435" list-style="none"><li id="ul0435-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0436" list-style="none"><li id="ul0436-0001" num="0989">the flexible sheet-like material is provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0436-0002" num="0990">the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
0991In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0437" list-style="none"><li id="ul0437-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0438" list-style="none"><li id="ul0438-0001" num="0992">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0438-0002" num="0993">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
0994In a fifteenth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0995(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
0996Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
0997Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
0998Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
0999Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1000Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1001Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1002Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1003Optionally a cutter mechanism is provided for selectively cutting the portion of the material from the replaceable roll.
1004In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) a pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the print head and comprising—
1005(i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to form the capping member, and <br /> (ii) a platen positioned adjacent the print head and arranged to engage with and position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1006Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
1007Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
1008Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
1009Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1010Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1011Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1012Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1013Optionally a cutter mechanism is provided for selectively cutting the portion of the material from the replaceable roll.
1014Optionally an actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of the platen whereby it causes the capping member to move into nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1015In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and <ul id="ul0439" list-style="none"><li id="ul0439-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0440" list-style="none"><li id="ul0440-0001" num="1016">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1017In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0441" list-style="none"><li id="ul0441-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0442" list-style="none"><li id="ul0442-0001" num="1018">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0442-0002" num="1019">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1020In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0443" list-style="none"><li id="ul0443-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0444" list-style="none"><li id="ul0444-0001" num="1021">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0444-0002" num="1022">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0444-0003" num="1023">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0445" list-style="none"><li id="ul0445-0001" num="1024">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0445-0002" num="1025">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1026In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0446" list-style="none"><li id="ul0446-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0447" list-style="none"><li id="ul0447-0001" num="1027">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0447-0002" num="1028">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head; and</li><li id="ul0447-0003" num="1029">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1030In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0448" list-style="none"><li id="ul0448-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0449" list-style="none"><li id="ul0449-0001" num="1031">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0449-0002" num="1032">the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0450" list-style="none"><li id="ul0450-0001" num="1033">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0450-0002" num="1034">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1035In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0451" list-style="none"><li id="ul0451-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0452" list-style="none"><li id="ul0452-0001" num="1036">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0452-0002" num="1037">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0453" list-style="none"><li id="ul0453-0001" num="1038">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0453-0002" num="1039">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1040In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0454" list-style="none"><li id="ul0454-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0455" list-style="none"><li id="ul0455-0001" num="1041">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0455-0002" num="1042">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0455-0003" num="1043">the capping mechanism has an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1044In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0456" list-style="none"><li id="ul0456-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0457" list-style="none"><li id="ul0457-0001" num="1045">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0457-0002" num="1046">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head; and</li><li id="ul0457-0003" num="1047">the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0458" list-style="none"><li id="ul0458-0001" num="1048">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0458-0002" num="1049">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1050In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0459" list-style="none"><li id="ul0459-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0460" list-style="none"><li id="ul0460-0001" num="1051">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0460-0002" num="1052">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1053In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0461" list-style="none"><li id="ul0461-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0462" list-style="none"><li id="ul0462-0001" num="1054">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0462-0002" num="1055">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1056In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0463" list-style="none"><li id="ul0463-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0464" list-style="none"><li id="ul0464-0001" num="1057">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0464-0002" num="1058">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0464-0003" num="1059">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0464-0004" num="1060">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0464-0005" num="1061">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1062In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0465" list-style="none"><li id="ul0465-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0466" list-style="none"><li id="ul0466-0001" num="1063">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0466-0002" num="1064">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0466-0003" num="1065">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1066In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0467" list-style="none"><li id="ul0467-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0468" list-style="none"><li id="ul0468-0001" num="1067">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0468-0002" num="1068">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0468-0003" num="1069">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1070In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
1071In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.
1072In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0469" list-style="none"><li id="ul0469-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0470" list-style="none"><li id="ul0470-0001" num="1073">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0470-0002" num="1074">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1075In a sixteenth aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the at least one print head and comprising—
1076(i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and <br /> (ii) a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.
1077Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
1078Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
1079Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
1080Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1081Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1082Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1083Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1084In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising:
0000(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) a pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism associated with the print head and comprising—
1085(i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, <br /> (ii) a platen positioned adjacent the print head and arranged to engage with and position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, and <br /> (iii) a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation, and
1086Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
1087Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
1088Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
1089Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1090Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1091Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1092Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1093In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0471" list-style="none"><li id="ul0471-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0472" list-style="none"><li id="ul0472-0001" num="1094">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0472-0002" num="1095">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1096In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0473" list-style="none"><li id="ul0473-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0474" list-style="none"><li id="ul0474-0001" num="1097">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0474-0002" num="1098">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1099In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0475" list-style="none"><li id="ul0475-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0476" list-style="none"><li id="ul0476-0001" num="1100">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;</li><li id="ul0476-0002" num="1101">the capping member is located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0476-0003" num="1102">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0477" list-style="none"><li id="ul0477-0001" num="1103">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position; and</li><li id="ul0477-0002" num="1104">a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1105In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0478" list-style="none"><li id="ul0478-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0479" list-style="none"><li id="ul0479-0001" num="1106">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0479-0002" num="1107">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head; and</li><li id="ul0479-0003" num="1108">the capping mechanism further has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect its linear transitioning from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1109In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0480" list-style="none"><li id="ul0480-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0481" list-style="none"><li id="ul0481-0001" num="1110">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0481-0002" num="1111">the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0482" list-style="none"><li id="ul0482-0001" num="1112">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head; and</li><li id="ul0482-0002" num="1113">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1114In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0483" list-style="none"><li id="ul0483-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0484" list-style="none"><li id="ul0484-0001" num="1115">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads; and</li><li id="ul0484-0002" num="1116">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0485" list-style="none"><li id="ul0485-0001" num="1117">a capping member associated with each of the print heads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head; and</li><li id="ul0485-0002" num="1118">an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1119In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0486" list-style="none"><li id="ul0486-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0487" list-style="none"><li id="ul0487-0001" num="1120">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0487-0002" num="1121">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head; and</li><li id="ul0487-0003" num="1122">the capping mechanism has an actuating mechanism arranged to effect arcuate transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1123In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: <ul id="ul0488" list-style="none"><li id="ul0488-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0489" list-style="none"><li id="ul0489-0001" num="1124">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;</li><li id="ul0489-0002" num="1125">the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head; and</li><li id="ul0489-0003" num="1126">the capping mechanism further has: <ul id="ul0490" list-style="none"><li id="ul0490-0001" num="1127">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head; and</li><li id="ul0490-0002" num="1128">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1129In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0491" list-style="none"><li id="ul0491-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0492" list-style="none"><li id="ul0492-0001" num="1130">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position; and</li><li id="ul0492-0002" num="1131">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1132In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0493" list-style="none"><li id="ul0493-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0494" list-style="none"><li id="ul0494-0001" num="1133">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in a arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0494-0002" num="1134">a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1135In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0495" list-style="none"><li id="ul0495-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0496" list-style="none"><li id="ul0496-0001" num="1136">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0496-0002" num="1137">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,</li><li id="ul0496-0003" num="1138">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0496-0004" num="1139">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0496-0005" num="1140">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1141In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0497" list-style="none"><li id="ul0497-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0498" list-style="none"><li id="ul0498-0001" num="1142">a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0498-0002" num="1143">a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0498-0003" num="1144">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1145In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0499" list-style="none"><li id="ul0499-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0500" list-style="none"><li id="ul0500-0001" num="1146">a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,</li><li id="ul0500-0002" num="1147">a longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0500-0003" num="1148">an actuating mechanism arranged to effect pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1149In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further has an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
1150In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member comprises: <ul id="ul0501" list-style="none"><li id="ul0501-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0502" list-style="none"><li id="ul0502-0001" num="1151">a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and</li><li id="ul0502-0002" num="1152">b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1153In a seventeenth aspect the present invention provides a capping member for a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth printhead; and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead,
0000the capping member comprising:
0000a) a lip portion that is formed integrally with a body portion; and
0000b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion; wherein,
0000the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and the body portion has a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead.
1154Optionally the lip portion is formed from an elastomeric material.
1155Optionally the body portion is formed from a rigid material.
1156Optionally the body portion is formed from a metal.
1157Optionally the body portion is formed from a plastics material.
1158Optionally the body portion and the lip portion are formed as a unitary structure for the full length of the member.
1159Optionally the capping portion is formed on each of two sides of the body portion.
1160Optionally a purging chamber is formed within the member.
1161In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0503" list-style="none"><li id="ul0503-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0504" list-style="none"><li id="ul0504-0001" num="1162">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0504-0002" num="1163">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0505" list-style="none"><li id="ul0505-0001" num="1164">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0505-0002" num="1165">a second actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be moved by the second actuating mechanism in a direction normal to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1166In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0506" list-style="none"><li id="ul0506-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0507" list-style="none"><li id="ul0507-0001" num="1167">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0507-0002" num="1168">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0508" list-style="none"><li id="ul0508-0001" num="1169">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0508-0002" num="1170">a second actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be moved by the second actuating mechanism in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1171In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0509" list-style="none"><li id="ul0509-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0510" list-style="none"><li id="ul0510-0001" num="1172">the pagewidth print head assembly has two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads,</li><li id="ul0510-0002" num="1173">the capping member is adapted to be located adjacent the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and</li><li id="ul0510-0003" num="1174">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0511" list-style="none"><li id="ul0511-0001" num="1175">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a printing first position to a spaced-apart second position and</li><li id="ul0511-0002" num="1176">a second actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be interposed between the print heads by the second actuating mechanism to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1177In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0512" list-style="none"><li id="ul0512-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0513" list-style="none"><li id="ul0513-0001" num="1178">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,</li><li id="ul0513-0002" num="1179">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and is adapted to be located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from but confronting the print head, and</li><li id="ul0513-0003" num="1180">the capping mechanism has a motor drive arranged for camming engagement with the capping member, the capping member being adapted to be linear transitioned by the motor drive from the first to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1181In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping/purging mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0514" list-style="none"><li id="ul0514-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0515" list-style="none"><li id="ul0515-0001" num="1182">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and is adapted to be located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0515-0002" num="1183">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0516" list-style="none"><li id="ul0516-0001" num="1184">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0516-0002" num="1185">an actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be transitioned by the actuating mechanism from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1186In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0517" list-style="none"><li id="ul0517-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0518" list-style="none"><li id="ul0518-0001" num="1187">the pagewidth print head assembly has two offset pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads,</li><li id="ul0518-0002" num="1188">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to those of the print heads and is adapted to be associated with one of the print heads and to be moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head, and</li><li id="ul0518-0003" num="1189">the capping mechanism has an actuating mechanism associated with the capping member, the capping member being adapted to be transitioned by the actuating mechanism from its first position to its second position.</li></ul></li></ul>
1190In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0519" list-style="none"><li id="ul0519-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0520" list-style="none"><li id="ul0520-0001" num="1191">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,</li><li id="ul0520-0002" num="1192">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and is adapted to be located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the print head, and</li><li id="ul0520-0003" num="1193">the capping mechanism has an actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to undergo arcuate transitioning by the actuating mechanism from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1194In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping/purging mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0521" list-style="none"><li id="ul0521-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0522" list-style="none"><li id="ul0522-0001" num="1195">the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,</li><li id="ul0522-0002" num="1196">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and is adapted to be located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head, and</li><li id="ul0522-0003" num="1197">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0523" list-style="none"><li id="ul0523-0001" num="1198">purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and</li><li id="ul0523-0002" num="1199">an actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be transitioned by the actuating mechanism in an arcuate direction from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1200In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0524" list-style="none"><li id="ul0524-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0525" list-style="none"><li id="ul0525-0001" num="1201">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0525-0002" num="1202">the capping mechanism has: <ul id="ul0526" list-style="none"><li id="ul0526-0001" num="1203">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate first direction from a first to a second position, and</li><li id="ul0526-0002" num="1204">a second actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be moved by the second actuating mechanism in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1205In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping/purging mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0527" list-style="none"><li id="ul0527-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0528" list-style="none"><li id="ul0528-0001" num="1206">the capping member has a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0528-0002" num="1207">the capping/purging mechanism has: <ul id="ul0529" list-style="none"><li id="ul0529-0001" num="1208">a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and</li><li id="ul0529-0002" num="1209">a second actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be moved by the second actuating mechanism in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to permit purging of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1210In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping/purging mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, the capping/purging mechanism being associated with the at least one print head and comprising a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, wherein: <ul id="ul0530" list-style="none"><li id="ul0530-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0531" list-style="none"><li id="ul0531-0001" num="1211">the capping member is a longitudinally extending capping member adapted to be carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0531-0002" num="1212">the capping/purging mechanism further comprises: <ul id="ul0532" list-style="none"><li id="ul0532-0001" num="1213">a purging chamber carried by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device,</li><li id="ul0532-0002" num="1214">a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret selectively to position the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0532-0003" num="1215">a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret whereby an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1216In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, the capping mechanism being associated with the at least one print head and comprising a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, wherein: <ul id="ul0533" list-style="none"><li id="ul0533-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0534" list-style="none"><li id="ul0534-0001" num="1217">the capping member is a longitudinally extending capping member adapted to be carried by the turret, and</li><li id="ul0534-0002" num="1218">the capping mechanism further comprises an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret, the capping member being adapted to move with the turret from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1219In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, the capping mechanism being associated with the at least one print head and comprising a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, wherein: <ul id="ul0535" list-style="none"><li id="ul0535-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0536" list-style="none"><li id="ul0536-0001" num="1220">the capping member is a longitudinally extending capping member adapted to be pivotally mounted to the carrier and to have a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0536-0002" num="1221">the capping mechanism further comprises an actuating mechanism, the capping member being adapted to be pivoted by the actuating mechanism from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1222In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0537" list-style="none"><li id="ul0537-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0538" list-style="none"><li id="ul0538-0001" num="1223">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0538-0002" num="1224">the capping mechanism is associated with the at least one print head and comprises an actuating mechanism, the capping member and the at least one print head being adapted to be relatively moved by the actuating mechanism to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1225In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0539" list-style="none"><li id="ul0539-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0540" list-style="none"><li id="ul0540-0001" num="1226">the capping mechanism is associated with the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0540-0002" num="1227">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1228In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer comprising the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein: <ul id="ul0541" list-style="none"><li id="ul0541-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0542" list-style="none"><li id="ul0542-0001" num="1229">the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet-like material being provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to locate, as the capping member, in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and</li><li id="ul0542-0002" num="1230">the capping mechanism is associated with the at least one print head and comprises a take-up reel arranged to take-up spent capping material following a capping operation.</li></ul></li></ul>
1231In an eighteenth aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and
1232ii) actuating means arranged to effect linear relative transitioning of the at least one capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which nozzle capping engagement is effected between the at least one capping member and the at least one print head.
1233Optionally the actuating means is arranged to effect linear transitioning of the at least one capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head. In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000a) a pagewidth print head and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head,
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and
0000ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect linear transitioning of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1234Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1235Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
1236Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
1237Optionally the capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.
1238Optionally a chamber is located within the capping member and is connected in fluid passage communication with the cavity and wherein the chamber is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.
1239Optionally a second actuating mechanism is provided for effecting movement of the print head to the second position.
1240Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to the print head.
1241Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to impart arcuate movement to the print head.
1242Optionally the capping member is positioned in confronting relationship with the print head and wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the print head when effecting linear transitioning of the capping member from the first to the second position.
1243In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000a) two confronting pagewidth print heads and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads,
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member associated with each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and
0000ii) actuating mechanisms arranged to effect linear transitioning of each of the capping members from a non-capping first position to a second position at which each said capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head.
1244Optionally each of the capping members is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1245Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.
1246Optionally each of the capping members comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
1247Optionally further actuating mechanisms are provided for effecting movement of the print heads to the second position.
1248Optionally the further actuating mechanisms are arranged to impart linear movement to the print heads.
1249Optionally the further actuating mechanisms are arranged to impart arcuate movement to the print heads.
1250Optionally the capping members are positioned in confronting relationship with the respective print heads when the print heads are in the second position and wherein the actuating mechanisms are arranged to move the respective capping members in directions normal to the associated print heads when effecting linear transitioning of the capping members from the first to the second position.
1251Optionally the capping members are positioned laterally with respect with the respective print heads when the print heads are in the second position and wherein the actuating mechanisms are arranged to move the respective capping members in a lateral direction when effecting linear transitioning of the capping members from the first to the second position.
1252Optionally a further actuating mechanism is provided for imparting linear movement to at least one of the print heads, wherein the capping members are positioned laterally with respect to the print heads when in the first position and wherein the capping members are moved laterally to a position between the print heads when transiting linearly from the first to the second position.
1253In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000a) two offset pagewidth print heads and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along each of the print heads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads,
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member associated with each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and
0000ii) actuating mechanisms arranged to effect linear relative transitioning of each of the associated capping members and print heads to a position at which the capping members is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print heads.
1254Optionally the actuating mechanisms are arranged to effect linear transitioning of each of the capping members from a non-capping first position to a second position at which each said capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head.
1255Optionally the capping members are positioned in confronting relationship with the respective print heads and wherein the actuating mechanisms are arranged to move the respective capping members in directions normal to the associated print heads when effecting linear transitioning of the capping members from the first to the second position.
1256In a further aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000(a) a print head assembly having—
0000(i) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and
0000(b) a capping mechanism having—
0000i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and
1257ii) actuating means arranged to effect linear relative transitioning of the at least one capping member and the at least one print head to a position at which nozzle capping engagement is effected between the at least one capping member and the at least one print head.
1258In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth print head assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth print head and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one print head;
0000and wherein the method comprises:
0000effecting linear relative transitioning of the at least one print head and at least one associated capping member to a position at which the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.
1259In a nineteenth aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the printhead, the capping mechanism comprising actuating means arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction away from a transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a capping second position, and a capping member which is arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead when the printhead is in the second position.
1260In another aspect there is provided a printer comprising
0000a) at least one printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the printhead, and
1261b) a capping mechanism having actuating means arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction away from a transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a capping second position, and a capping member which is arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead when the printhead is in the second position.
1262In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead, and
1263ii) actuating means arranged to move the at least one printhead in an arcuate direction away from the transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a second position at which the at least one capping member is engaged in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1264Optionally the at least one capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1265Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead.
1266Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively of the associated printhead.
1267Optionally the at least one capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated printhead.
1268Optionally a purging chamber is located within the at least one capping member and is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the printhead.
1269Optionally a further actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of the at least one capping member from a non-capping position to the second position.
1270Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to the at least one capping member.
1271Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart arcuate movement to the at least one capping member.
1272Optionally the at least one capping member is positioned in confronting relationship with an associated said printhead when the printhead is in the second position and wherein the further actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction normal to the associated printhead when effecting linear movement of the at least one capping member from the non-capping position to the second position.
1273Optionally the at least one capping member is positioned adjacent to and laterally with respect to the at least one printhead, and wherein the further actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction to the second position.
1274In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) two pagewidth printheads and
0000b) a plurality nozzles located along each of the printheads and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printheads;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member associated with each of the printheads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printheads, and
1275ii) actuating means arranged to move each of the printheads in an arcuate direction away from the transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a second position at which the capping member is engaged in nozzle capping engagement with the associated printhead.
1276Optionally each capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1277Optionally each capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead.
1278Optionally each capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
1279Optionally each capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated printhead.
1280Optionally a purging chamber is located within each capping member and is arranged to be connected to a suction device whereby material may be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated printhead.
1281Optionally a further actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of each of the capping members from a non-capping position to the second position.
1282Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to each of the capping members.
1283Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart arcuate movement to each of the capping members.
1284Optionally each of the capping members is positioned in confronting relationship with the associated said printhead when the printhead is in the second position and wherein the further actuating mechanism is arranged to move each of the capping members in a direction normal to the associated printhead when effecting linear movement of the capping members from the non-capping position to the second position.
1285Optionally each of the capping members is positioned adjacent to and laterally with respect to an associated one of the printheads, and wherein the further actuating mechanism is arranged to move each of the capping members in a lateral direction to the second position.
1286In a aspect the present invention provides a printer comprising:
0000a) printhead assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0543" list-style="none"><li id="ul0543-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0544" list-style="none"><li id="ul0544-0001" num="1287">(i) at least one pagewidth printhead and</li><li id="ul0544-0002" num="1288">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead; and <br /> b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0544-0003" num="1289">(i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead, and</li><li id="ul0544-0004" num="1290">(ii) actuating means arranged to move the at least one printhead in an arcuate direction away from the transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a second position at which the at least one capping member is engaged in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.</li></ul></li></ul>
1291In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of capping a printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the printhead; the method comprising moving the printhead, in an arcuate direction away from a transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a capping second position and engaging the printhead with a capping member which in nozzle capping engagement when the printhead is in the second position.
1292In another aspect the present invention provides a method of capping a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
1293the method comprising moving the at least one printhead in an arcuate direction away from the transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a second position at which a capping member is engaged in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1294In a twentieth aspect the present invention provides a capping/purging mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead, and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead; and the capping/purging mechanism comprising—
0000i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead,
0000ii) means arranged to move the at least one printhead and/or the at least one capping member to a position at which the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead, and
0000iii) at least one purging chamber arranged to receive material that is purged from the at least one printhead.
1295Optionally the at least one capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1296Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead.
1297Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
1298Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connectible to a suction device.
1299Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connectible to the suction device by way of an extractor tube.
1300Optionally the at least one purging chamber is integrated with the at least one capping member.
1301Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connected in fluid passage communication with the at least one capping member.
1302Optionally the at least one purging chamber is carried by a support that also carries the at least one capping member.
1303Optionally the at least one capping member and the at least one purging chamber form integral portions of a capping/purging member.
1304Optionally the means arranged to move the at least one printhead and/or the at least one capping member comprises a first actuating means arranged to move the at least one printhead in an arcuate direction away from the plane of print media feed through the printhead assembly and to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1305Optionally the means arranged to move the at least one printhead and/or the at least one capping member comprises first and second actuating means arranged to move the at least one printhead and the at least one capping member in arcuate directions to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1306Optionally the first actuating means is arranged to move the at least one printhead to a further position at which the purging chamber is arranged to receive material that is purged from the at least one printhead.
1307Optionally the second actuating means is arranged to move the at least one capping member to a further position at which the purging chamber is arranged to receive material that is purged from the at least one printhead.
1308Optionally the means arranged to move the at least one printhead and/or the at least one capping member comprises an actuating means arranged to move the at least one capping member and the at least one purging chamber in a linear direction to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1309In a further aspect there is provided a capping/purging mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) a pagewidth printhead, and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
0000and the capping/purging mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead,
0000ii) means arranged to move the capping member and/or the printhead to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead, and
0000iii) a purging chamber arranged to receive material that is purged from the printhead.
1310Optionally the capping member is formed effectively as a one-piece member.
1311Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead.
1312Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is peripherally configured to surround the nozzles collectively.
1313Optionally the purging chamber is connectible to a suction device.
1314Optionally the purging chamber is connectible to the suction device by way of an extractor tube.
1315Optionally the purging chamber is integrated with the capping member.
1316Optionally the purging chamber is connected in fluid passage communication with the at least one capping member.
1317Optionally the purging chamber is carried by a support that also carries the capping member.
1318Optionally the capping member and the purging chamber form integral portions of a capping/purging member.
1319Optionally the means arranged to move the printhead and/or the capping member comprises a first actuating means arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction away from the plane of print media feed through the printhead assembly and to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1320Optionally the means arranged to move the printhead and/or the capping member comprises actuating means arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate direction to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1321Optionally the means arranged to move the printhead and/or the capping member comprises an actuating means arranged to move the capping member and the purging chamber in a linear direction to the position of nozzle capping engagement.
1322Optionally the capping member and the purging chamber are both carried by a rotatable turret
1323In a further aspect there is provided a capping/purging mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) two confronting pagewidth printheads, and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printheads;
0000and the capping/purging mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member associated with each of the printheads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printheads,
0000ii) means arranged to move the printheads and the capping members to positions at which the capping members are located in nozzle capping engagement with the printheads, and
0000iii) a purging chamber associated with each of the capping members and arranged to receive material that is purged from the at least one printhead.
1324Optionally the means arranged to move the printheads and the capping members comprise actuating means arranged to move the capping members and the printheads in arcuate directions to the positions of nozzle capping engagement.
1325In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising
0000a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0545" list-style="none"><li id="ul0545-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0546" list-style="none"><li id="ul0546-0001" num="1326">(i) at least one pagewidth printhead, and</li><li id="ul0546-0002" num="1327">(ii) a plurality nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead, and <br /> b) a capping/purging mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0546-0003" num="1328">(i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead,</li><li id="ul0546-0004" num="1329">(ii) means arranged to move the at least one printhead and/or the at least one capping member to a position at which the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the plurality of chips on the at least one printhead and</li><li id="ul0546-0005" num="1330">(iii) at least one purging chamber arranged to receive material that is purged from the at least one printhead.</li></ul></li></ul>
1331In another aspect there is provided a method of capping and purging a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead;
0000the method comprising the steps of:
0000i) moving the at least one printhead and/or at least one associated capping member to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least on printhead and, either simultaneously or separately,
0000iii) effecting purging of material from the at least one printhead by way of a purging chamber associated with the at least one capping member.
1332In a twenty first aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one printhead, and
0000ii) means arranged to move the capping member and/or the at least one printhead to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1333In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one printhead, and
0000ii) means arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1334Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
1335Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
1336Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
1337Optionally means are provided for delivering a fluid to a region between the multiple layers of the capping member.
1338Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1339Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1340Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1341Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1342Optionally the capping member comprises an individual capping member.
1343Optionally the capping member comprises a portion of a roll of said capping member material.
1344In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism including a said roll of the capping member material from which the capping member is in use fed to the position of nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1345In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism including a spool for receiving spent said capping member material following a capping operation.
1346In another aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) a pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality nozzles located along the printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the printhead, and
0000ii) a platen positioned adjacent the printhead and arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1347Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.
1348Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.
1349Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.
1350Optionally means are provided for delivering a fluid to a region between the multiple layers of the capping member.
1351Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.
1352Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastics material.
1353Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.
1354Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.
1355Optionally the capping member comprises an individual capping member.
1356Optionally the capping member comprises a portion of a roll of said capping member material.
1357In another aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism including a said roll of the capping member material from which the capping member is in use fed to the position of nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1358In another aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism including a spool for receiving spent said capping member material following a capping operation.
1359In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising:
0000a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0547" list-style="none"><li id="ul0547-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0548" list-style="none"><li id="ul0548-0001" num="1360">(i) at least one pagewidth printhead and</li><li id="ul0548-0002" num="1361">(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead, and <br /> b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0548-0003" num="1362">(i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one printhead, and</li><li id="ul0548-0004" num="1363">(ii) means arranged to move the capping member and/or the at least one printhead to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.</li></ul></li></ul>
1364In a further aspect there is provided a printer comprising:
0000a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000<ul id="ul0549" list-style="none"><li id="ul0549-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0550" list-style="none"><li id="ul0550-0001" num="1365">(i) at least one pagewidth printhead and</li><li id="ul0550-0002" num="1366">(ii) a plurality nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead, and <br /> b) a capping mechanism having— </li><li id="ul0550-0003" num="1367">(i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one printhead, and</li><li id="ul0550-0004" num="1368">(ii) means arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.</li></ul></li></ul>
1369In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead;
0000the method comprising moving the at least one printhead and/or a capping member having a flexible sheet-like form to a position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1370In another aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth printhead assembly having—
0000a) at least one pagewidth printhead and
0000b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one printhead;
0000the method comprising positioning a capping member having a flexible sheet-like form in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.
1371In a twenty second aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head; the capping mechanism comprising:
0000a) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000b) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1372c) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions.
1373In another aspect there is provided a method of capping a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head; the method comprising the steps of:
0000i) effecting movement of a carrier and a capping member carried by the carrier from a first position remote from the print head to a second position at which the capping member is moved into nozzle capping engagement with the print head,
0000ii) moving the carrier and the capping member through a transition position during their movement from the first position to the second position, and
0000iii) effecting pivotal movement of the capping member relative to the carrier during a transitional movement made by the carrier between the transition position and the second position.
1374Optionally the transitional movement made by the carrier is small relative to the movement made by the carrier between the first and second positions.
1375In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head, the capping mechanism comprising:
0000a) a capping member which has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and which is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000b) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1376c) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions.
1377Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to move the carrier pivotally between the first and second positions during a capping operation.
1378Optionally the carrier is pivotally mounted to a support by way of a pivotal element having a first pivot axis, and the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by way of a pivoting arrangement having a second pivot axis that is located parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis.
1379Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, and the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is small relative to the spacing between the first and second pivot axes.
1380Optionally the spacing between the first and second pivot axes is of the order of three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.
1381Optionally the transition position is located a distance from the second position which is small relative to the distance between the first and second positions.
1382Optionally the ratio of the transitional pivotal movement of the carrier to the total pivotal movement of the carrier between the first and second positions is within the range 1:12 to 1:20.
1383Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.
1384Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material.
1385Optionally the capping element is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1386Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material, wherein the lip is configured to locate about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, and wherein the lip is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1387Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one first stop member that is arranged to contact the print head and thereby to effect pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier makes the transitional movement from the transition position to the second position.
1388Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one second stop member that is arranged to contact the carrier and thereby prevent pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position.
1389Optionally the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by a pivot shaft which extends along a marginal edge portion of the carrier.
1390Optionally a biasing device is mounted to the capping member and engages the carrier in a manner to bias the capping member in a direction away from nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1391Optionally the biasing device comprises a torsion spring.
1392Optionally the carrier is mounted to the support by spaced-apart end plates which are mounted to the print head.
1393Optionally the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor which is coupled to the carrier and arranged to impart pivotal motion to the carrier by way of a crank and a motion translating mechanism.
1394Optionally at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and is operable to effect pivoting of the capping member when the carrier approaches the first position, whereby the capping member is moved away from the print media feed path.
1395Optionally a capping element portion of the capping member is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1396Optionally the capping mechanism and the printhead are arranged to operate within an inkjet printer.
1397Optionally the capping mechanism is configured for operative engagement with a capping mechanism protector which comprises a covering member arranged to engage with the capping mechanism during intervals when the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head.
1398In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism wherein: <ul id="ul0551" list-style="none"><li id="ul0551-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0552" list-style="none"><li id="ul0552-0001" num="1399">a) the capping mechanism is configured for operative engagement with a capping mechanism protector which comprises a covering member arranged to engage with the capping mechanism during intervals when the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head, and</li><li id="ul0552-0002" num="1400">b) the capping mechanism, the capping mechanism protector and the printhead are arranged to operate in an inkjet printer.</li></ul></li></ul>
1401In a twenty third aspect the present invention provides an inkjet printer comprising:
0000a) a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head, and
0000b) a capping mechanism for the print head;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1402iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions.
1403In another aspect the present invention provides a inkjet printer comprising:
0000a) a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head, and
0000b) a capping mechanism for the print head;
0000the capping mechanism comprising—
0000i) a capping member which has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and which is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1404ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head, <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions.
1405Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to move the carrier pivotally between the first and second positions during a capping operation.
1406Optionally the carrier is pivotally mounted to a support by way of a pivotal element having a first pivot axis, and the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by way of a pivoting arrangement having a second pivot axis that is located parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis.
1407Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, and wherein the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is small relative to the spacing between the first and second pivot axes.
1408Optionally the spacing between the first and second pivot axes is of the order of three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.
1409Optionally the transition position is located a distance from the second position which is small relative to the distance between the first and second positions.
1410Optionally the ratio of the transitional pivotal movement of the carrier to the total pivotal movement of the carrier between the first and second positions is within the range 1:12 to 1:20.
1411Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.
1412Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material.
1413Optionally the capping element is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a channel portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1414Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material, wherein the lip is configured to locate about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, and wherein the lip is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a channel portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1415Optionally the capping member is provided with a first stop member that is arranged to contact the print head and thereby to effect pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier makes the transitional movement from the transition position to the second position.
1416Optionally the capping member is provided with a second stop member that is arranged to contact the carrier and thereby prevent pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position.
1417Optionally the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by a pivot shaft which extends along a marginal edge portion of the carrier.
1418Optionally a biasing device is mounted to the capping member and engages the carrier in a manner to bias the capping member in a direction away from nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1419Optionally the biasing device comprises a torsion spring.
1420Optionally the carrier is mounted to the support by spaced-apart end plates which are mounted to the print head.
1421Optionally the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor which is coupled to the carrier and arranged to impart pivotal motion to the carrier by way of a crank and a motion translating mechanism.
1422Optionally an abutment is located adjacent the print head and is operable to effect pivoting of the capping member when the carrier approaches the second position, whereby the capping member is moved away from the print media feed path.
1423Optionally a capping element portion of the capping member is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1424Optionally the printer further comprising a protector for the capping mechanism, the protector comprising a covering member arranged to engage with the capping mechanism during intervals when the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head.
1425In a twenty fourth aspect the present invention provides a protector for a capping facility for a print head and which comprises a covering member which is arranged to engage with the capping facility during intervals when the capping facility is not engaged with the print head.
1426In a further aspect there is provided a method of protecting a printer capping facility against loss of moisture and/or ingress of contaminating material, the method comprising engaging the capping facility with a covering member during intervals when the capping facility is not engaged with the print head.
1427In another aspect there is provided a protector for a capping facility in the form of a capping mechanism for a print head having a plurality of ink-delivery nozzles and wherein:
0000a) the capping mechanism comprises
0000i) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1428iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; and <br /> b) the protector comprises a covering member which is arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.
1429In a further aspect there is provided a protector for a capping facility in the form of a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head, and wherein:
0000a) the capping mechanism comprises:
0000i) a capping member which has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and which is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1430iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> b) the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier and is arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions; and <br /> c) the protector comprises a covering member which is arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.
1431Optionally the covering member is constituted by the carrier.
1432Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to move the carrier pivotally between the first and second positions during a capping operation.
1433Optionally the carrier is pivotally mounted to a support by way of a pivotal element having a first pivot axis, and the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by way of a pivoting arrangement having a second pivot axis that is located parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis.
1434Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, and the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is small relative to the spacing between the first and second pivot axes.
1435Optionally the spacing between the first and second pivot axes is of the order of three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.
1436Optionally the transition position is located a distance from the second position which is small relative to the distance between the first and second positions.
1437Optionally the ratio of the transitional pivotal movement of the carrier to the total pivotal movement of the carrier between the first and second positions is within the range 1:12 to 1:20.
1438Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.
1439Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material.
1440Optionally the capping element is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1441Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material, wherein the lip is configured to locate about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, and wherein the lip is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1442Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one first stop member that is arranged to contact the print head and thereby to effect pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier makes the transitional movement from the transition position to the second position.
1443Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one second stop member that is arranged to contact the carrier and thereby prevent pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position.
1444Optionally the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by a pivot shaft which extends along a marginal edge portion of the carrier.
1445Optionally a biasing device is mounted to the capping member and engages the carrier in a manner to bias the capping member in a direction away from nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1446Optionally the biasing device comprises a torsion spring.
1447Optionally the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor which is coupled to the carrier and arranged to impart pivotal motion to the carrier by way of a crank and a motion translating mechanism.
1448Optionally at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and is operable to effect pivoting of the capping member when the carrier approaches the first position, whereby the capping member is moved away from the print media feed path.
1449In a further aspect there is provided a protector, wherein: <ul id="ul0553" list-style="none"><li id="ul0553-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0554" list-style="none"><li id="ul0554-0001" num="1450">the print head has a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head; and</li><li id="ul0554-0002" num="1451">the capping mechanism comprises: <ul id="ul0555" list-style="none"><li id="ul0555-0001" num="1452">a) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,</li><li id="ul0555-0002" num="1453">b) a carrier supporting the capping member, and</li><li id="ul0555-0003" num="1454">c) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions. </li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1455In a further aspect there is provided a protector wherein; <ul id="ul0556" list-style="none"><li id="ul0556-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0557" list-style="none"><li id="ul0557-0001" num="1456">the print head has a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head; and</li><li id="ul0557-0002" num="1457">the capping mechanism comprises: <ul id="ul0558" list-style="none"><li id="ul0558-0001" num="1458">a) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,</li><li id="ul0558-0002" num="1459">b) a carrier supporting the capping member, and</li><li id="ul0558-0003" num="1460">c) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions, </li></ul></li><li id="ul0557-0003" num="1461">the print head, the capping mechanism and the protector being arranged for use in an inkjet printer.</li></ul></li></ul>
1462Optionally the capping mechanism and the print head are arranged for use within an inkjet printer.
1463In a twenty fifth aspect the present invention provides a inkjet printer having a protector for a capping facility for a print head within the printer, the protector comprising a covering member which is arranged to engage with the capping facility during intervals when the capping facility is not engaged with the print head.
1464In another aspect the present invention provides an inkjet printer having a protector for a capping facility in the form of a capping mechanism for a print head having a plurality of ink-delivery nozzles and wherein:
0000a) the capping mechanism comprises
0000i) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1465iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; and <br /> b) the protector comprises a covering member which is arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.
1466In a further aspect the present invention provides an inkjet printer having a protector for a capping facility in the form of a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head, and wherein:
0000a) the capping mechanism comprises:
0000i) a capping member which has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and which is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,
0000ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and
1467iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> b) the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier and is arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions; and <br /> c) the protector comprises a covering member which is arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.
1468Optionally the covering member is constituted by the carrier.
1469Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to move the carrier pivotally between the first and second positions during a capping operation.
1470Optionally the carrier is pivotally mounted to a support by way of a pivotal element having a first pivot axis, and the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by way of a pivoting arrangement having a second pivot axis that is located parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis.
1471Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, and the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is small relative to the spacing between the first and second pivot axes.
1472Optionally the spacing between the first and second pivot axes is of the order of three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.
1473Optionally the transition position is located a distance from the second position which is small relative to the distance between the first and second positions.
1474Optionally the ratio of the transitional pivotal movement of the carrier to the total pivotal movement of the carrier between the first and second positions is within the range 1:12 to 1:20.
1475Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.
1476Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material.
1477Optionally the capping element is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1478Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip which is formed from an elastomeric material, wherein the lip is configured to locate about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, and wherein the lip is arranged to engage with a face portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position whereby a recessed portion of the capping element is effectively closed against loss of contained moisture and ingress of contaminating material.
1479Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one first stop member that is arranged to contact the print head and thereby to effect pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier makes the transitional movement from the transition position to the second position.
1480Optionally the capping member is provided with at least one second stop member that is arranged to contact the carrier and thereby prevent pivoting of the capping member relative to the carrier as the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position.
1481Optionally the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier by a pivot shaft which extends along a marginal edge portion of the carrier.
1482Optionally a biasing device is mounted to the capping member and engages the carrier in a manner to bias the capping member in a direction away from nozzle capping engagement with the print head.
1483Optionally the biasing device comprises a torsion spring.
1484Optionally the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor which is coupled to the carrier and arranged to impart pivotal motion to the carrier by way of a crank and a motion translating mechanism.
1485Optionally at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and is operable to effect pivoting of the capping member when the carrier approaches the first position, whereby the capping member is moved away from the print media feed path.
1486In a further aspect there is provided an inkjet printer wherein; <ul id="ul0559" list-style="none"><li id="ul0559-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0560" list-style="none"><li id="ul0560-0001" num="1487">the print head has a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which, in use, is transported past the print head; and</li><li id="ul0560-0002" num="1488">the capping mechanism comprises: <ul id="ul0561" list-style="none"><li id="ul0561-0001" num="1489">a) a capping member that is configured to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,</li><li id="ul0561-0002" num="1490">b) a carrier supporting the capping member, and</li><li id="ul0561-0003" num="1491">c) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the print head; <br /> the capping member being pivotally mounted to the carrier and being arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions. </li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
1492The invention may be embodied in various arrangements, one of which is now described by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
1493In the drawings—
1494<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagrammatic illustration of a printer having a pagewidth printhead,
1495<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows, in perspective, an assembly of the pagewidth printhead and a capping mechanism mounted in operative relationship to the printhead, the assembly being removed from a printer chassis to which it normally would be mounted,
1496<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an end view of the assembly as seen from the far end of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>,
1497<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a slightly enlarged view of the assembly as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> but with a drive motor and end plate removed to reveal an actuating mechanism that is driven by the drive motor,
1498<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a perspective view of the assembly as seen from the end shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>,
1499<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a perspective view of the capping mechanism removed from the printhead,
1500<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows, in perspective, an end view of the capping mechanism of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>,
1501<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows, again in perspective, an opposite end view of the capping mechanism,
1502<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a perspective view of the capping mechanism as seen in the direction of section plane <b>8</b>-<b>8</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>
1503<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a perspective view of a capping member removed from the capping mechanism of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 to 8</figref>,
1504<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> show elevation views of first and second end members respectively of the capping member,
1505<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows an end view of a portion of the assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 4</figref>, as viewed in the direction of section plane <b>12</b>-<b>12</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, with the capping member located in a nozzle capping position,
1506<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a view similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> but following an initial movement of the capping member away from the nozzle capping position,
1507<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows a view similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> but following progressively further movement of the capping member away from the nozzle capping position,
1508<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows a view similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> but with the capping member moved to a parked position remote from the printhead,
1509<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows a perspective view of one of the printheads as seen in the direction of a printing zone of the printhead,
1510<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a sectional end view of one of the printheads,
1511<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows a perspective view of an end portion of a channeled support member removed from the printhead of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> and fluid delivery lines connected to the support member,
1512<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows an end view of connections made between the fluid delivery lines and the channeled support member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>,
1513<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows a printed circuit board, with electronic components mounted to the board, when removed from a casing portion of the printhead of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>,
1514<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows, in perspective, a sectional view of a portion a printhead chip that is mounted to the printhead and which incorporates printing fluid delivery nozzles and nozzle actuators,
1515<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> shows a vertical section of a single nozzle in a quiescent state,
1516<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> shows a vertical section of a single nozzle in an initial activation state,
1517<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> shows a vertical section of a single nozzle in a later activation state,
1518<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> shows a perspective view of a single nozzle in the activation state shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>,
1519<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> shows in perspective a sectioned view of the nozzle of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>,
1520<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> shows a sectional elevation view of the nozzle of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>,
1521<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> shows in perspective a partial sectional view of the nozzle of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>,
1522<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> shows a plan view of the nozzle of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>,
1523<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> shows a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> but with lever arm and moveable nozzle portions omitted,
1524<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> illustrates data flow and functions performed by a print engine controller (“PEC”) that forms one of the circuit components shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>,
1525<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> illustrates the PEC of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> in the context of an overall printing system architecture, and
1526<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> illustrates the architecture of the PEC of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
1527<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A to 4</figref> show an assembly <b>18</b> of a pagewidth printhead <b>20</b>, a capping mechanism <b>21</b> and a mounting plate <b>22</b>. The assembly <b>18</b> is shown removed from a mounting structure or chassis of the printer <b>19</b> that is shown diagrammatically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.
1528The printer <b>19</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is shown diagrammatically because it may be constituted by any one of a large number of printer types; including desk-top, office, commercial and wide format printers. Also, the printer may incorporate a single sheet feed system or a roll-feed system for print media (also not shown), and it may be arranged for printing alpha-numeric, graphical or decorative images.
1529The printhead <b>20</b> may incorporate the features of or comprise any one of a number of different types of printheads, including thermal or piezo-electric activated bubble jet printheads as are known in the art.
1530Each of the printheads <b>20</b> may, for example, be in the form of that which is described in the Applicant's co-pending US patent applications listed in the cross-references section above and all of which are incorporated herein by reference. But other types of pagewidth printheads (including thermal or piezo-electric activated bubble jet printers) that are known in the art may alternatively be employed.
1531As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 20</figref> for exemplification purposes, the printhead <b>20</b> comprises four printhead modules <b>23</b> mounted within a casing <b>24</b>, each of which in turn comprises a unitary arrangement of:
0000a) a plastics material support member <b>25</b>,
0000b) four printhead micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integrated circuit chips <b>26</b> (referred to herein simply as “printhead chips”),
0000c) a fluid distribution arrangement <b>58</b> mounting each of the printhead chips <b>26</b> to the support member <b>25</b>, and
0000d) a flexible printed circuit connector <b>59</b> for connecting electrical power and signals to each of the printhead chips <b>26</b>.
1532However, it will be understood that each of the printheads <b>20</b> may comprise substantially more than four modules <b>23</b> and/or that substantially more than four printhead chips <b>26</b> may be mounted to each module.
1533Each of the chips (as described in more detail later) has up to 7680 nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of the print media and, possibly, a further 640 nozzles for delivering pressurised air or other gas toward the print media.
1534The four printhead modules <b>23</b> are removably located in a channel portion <b>27</b> of a casing <b>24</b> by way of the support member <b>25</b>, and the casing contains electrical circuitry <b>63</b> mounted on four printed circuit boards <b>62</b> (one for each printhead module <b>23</b>) for controlling delivery of computer regulated power and drive signals by way of flexible PCB connectors <b>63</b><i>a </i>to the printhead chips <b>26</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, electrical power and print activating signals are delivered to the printhead <b>51</b> by way of conductors <b>64</b>, and printing ink and air are delivered by fluid delivery lines <b>65</b>.
1535The printed circuit boards <b>62</b> are carried by plastics material mouldings <b>66</b> which are located within the casing <b>24</b> and the mouldings also carry busbars <b>67</b> which in turn carry current for powering the printhead chips <b>26</b> and the electrical circuitry. A cover <b>68</b> normally closes the casing <b>24</b> and, when closed, the cover acts against a loading element <b>69</b> that functions to urge the flexible printed circuit connector <b>59</b> against the busbars <b>67</b>.
1536The four printhead modules <b>23</b> may incorporate four conjoined support members <b>25</b> or, alternatively, a single support member <b>25</b> may be provided to extend along the full length of the printhead <b>51</b> and be shared by all four printhead modules. That is, a single support member <b>25</b> may carry all sixteen printhead chips <b>26</b>.
1537As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 18</figref>, the support member <b>25</b> comprises an extrusion that is formed with seven longitudinally extending closed channels <b>70</b>, and the support member is provided in its upper surface with groups <b>71</b> of millimetric sized holes. Each group comprises seven separate holes <b>72</b> which extend into respective ones of the channels <b>70</b> and each group of holes is associated with one of the printhead chips <b>26</b>. Also, the holes <b>72</b> of each group are positioned obliquely across the support member <b>25</b> in the longitudinal direction of the support member.
1538A coupling device <b>73</b> is provided for coupling fluid into the seven channels <b>70</b> from respective ones of the fluid delivery lines <b>65</b>.
1539The fluid distribution arrangements <b>58</b> are provided for channeling fluid (printing ink and air) from each group <b>71</b> of holes to an associated one of the printhead chips <b>26</b>. Printing fluids from six of the seven channel <b>70</b> are delivered to twelve rows of nozzles on each printhead chip <b>26</b> (ie, one fluid to two rows) and the millimetric-to-micrometric distribution of the fluids is effected by way of the fluid distribution arrangements <b>58</b>. For a more detailed description of one arrangement for achieving this process reference may be made to the co-pending US patent applications referred to previously.
1540An illustrative embodiment of one printhead chip <b>26</b> is described in more detail below, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21 to 30</figref>; as is an illustrative embodiment of a print engine controller for the printhead <b>20</b>. The print engine controller is also later described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31 to 33</figref>.
1541A print media guide <b>28</b> is mounted to the printhead <b>20</b> and is shaped and arranged to guide the print media past the printing zone, as defined collectively by the printhead chips <b>26</b>, in a manner to preclude the print media from contacting the nozzles of the printhead chips.
1542The fluids to be delivered to the printheads <b>20</b> will be determined by the functionality of the printer. However, as illustrated, provision is made for delivering six printing fluids and air to the printhead chips <b>26</b> by way of the seven channels <b>70</b> in the support member <b>25</b>. The six printing fluids may comprise:
0000Cyan (C) printing ink
0000Magenta (M) printing ink
0000Yellow (Y) printing ink
0000Black (K) printing ink
0000Infrared (IR) ink
0000Fixative.
1543The filtered air will in use be delivered at a pressure slightly above atmospheric from a pressurised source (not shown) that is integrated in the printer.
1544One of the printhead chips <b>26</b> is now described in more detail with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21 to 30</figref>.
1545As indicated above, each printhead chip <b>26</b> is provided with 7680 printing fluid delivery nozzles <b>150</b>. The nozzles are arrayed in twelve rows <b>151</b>, each having 640 nozzles, with an inter-nozzle spacing X of 32 microns. Adjacent rows are staggered by a distance equal to one-half of the inter-nozzle spacing so that a nozzle in one row is positioned mid-way between two nozzles in adjacent rows. Also, there is an inter-nozzle spacing Y of 80 microns between adjacent rows of nozzles.
1546Two adjacent rows of the nozzles <b>150</b> are fed from a common supply of printing fluid. This, with the staggered arrangement, allows for closer spacing of ink dots during printing than would be possible with a single row of nozzles and also allows for a level of redundancy that accommodates nozzle failure.
1547The printhead chips <b>26</b> are manufactured using an integrated circuit fabrication technique and, as previously indicated, embody micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Each printhead chip <b>26</b> includes a silicon wafer substrate <b>152</b>, and a 0.42 micron 1 P4M 12 volt CMOS micro-processing circuit is formed on the wafer. Thus, a silicon dioxide layer <b>153</b> is deposited on the substrate <b>152</b> as a dielectric layer and aluminium electrode contact layers <b>154</b> are deposited on the silicon dioxide layer <b>153</b>. Both the substrate <b>152</b> and the layer <b>153</b> are etched to define an ink channel <b>155</b>, and an aluminium diffusion barrier <b>156</b> is positioned about the ink channel <b>155</b>.
1548A passivation layer <b>157</b> of silicon nitride is deposited over the aluminium contact layers <b>154</b> and the layer <b>153</b>. Portions of the passivation layer <b>157</b> that are positioned over the contact layers <b>154</b> have openings <b>158</b> therein to provide access to the contact layers.
1549Each nozzle <b>150</b> includes a nozzle chamber <b>159</b> which is defined by a nozzle wall <b>160</b>, a nozzle roof <b>161</b> and a radially inner nozzle rim <b>162</b>. The ink channel <b>155</b> is in fluid communication with the chamber <b>159</b>.
1550A moveable rim <b>163</b>, that includes a movable seal lip <b>164</b>, is located at the lower end of the nozzle wall <b>160</b>. An encircling wall <b>165</b> surrounds the nozzle and provides a stationery seal lip <b>166</b> that, when the nozzle <b>150</b> is at rest as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, is adjacent the moveable rim <b>163</b>. A fluidic seal <b>167</b> is formed due to the surface tension of ink trapped between the stationery seal <b>166</b> and the moveable seal lip <b>164</b>. This prevents leakage of ink from the chamber whilst providing a low resistance coupling between the encircling wall <b>165</b> and a nozzle wall <b>160</b>.
1551The nozzle wall <b>160</b> forms part of lever arrangement that is mounted to a carrier <b>168</b> having a generally U-shaped profile with a base <b>169</b> attached to the layer <b>157</b>. The lever arrangement also includes a lever arm <b>170</b> that extends from the nozzle wall and incorporates a lateral stiffening beam <b>171</b>. The lever arm <b>170</b> is attached to a pair of passive beams <b>172</b> that are formed from titanium nitride and are positioned at each side of the nozzle as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 25 and 28</figref>. The other ends of the passive beams <b>172</b> are attached to the carriers <b>168</b>.
1552The lever arm <b>170</b> is also attached to an actuator beam <b>173</b>, which is formed from TiN. This attachment to the actuator beam is made at a point a small but critical distance higher than the attachments to the passive beam <b>172</b>.
1553As can best be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 25 and 28</figref>, the actuator beam <b>173</b> is substantially U-shaped in plan, defining a current path between an electrode <b>174</b> and an opposite electrode <b>175</b>. Each of the electrodes <b>174</b> and <b>175</b> is electrically connected to a respective point in the contact layer <b>154</b>. The actuator beam <b>173</b> is also mechanically secured to an anchor <b>176</b>, and the anchor <b>176</b> is configured to constrain motion of the actuator beam <b>173</b> to the left of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 to 24</figref> when the nozzle arrangement is activated.
1554The actuator beam <b>173</b> is conductive, being composed of TiN, but has a sufficiently high electrical resistance to generate self-heating when a current is passed between the electrodes <b>174</b> and <b>175</b>. No current flows through the passive beams <b>172</b>, so they do not experience thermal expansion.
1555In operation, the nozzle is filled with ink <b>177</b> that defines a meniscus <b>178</b> under the influence of surface tension. The ink is retained in the chamber <b>159</b> by the meniscus, and will not generally leak out in the absence of some other physical influence.
1556To fire ink from the nozzle, a current is passed between the contacts <b>174</b> and <b>175</b>, passing through the actuator beam <b>173</b>. The self-heating of the beam <b>173</b> causes the beam to expand, and the actuator beam <b>173</b> is dimensioned and shaped so that the beam expands predominantly in a horizontal direction with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 to 24</figref>. The expansion is constrained to the left by the anchor <b>176</b>, so the end of the actuator beam <b>173</b> adjacent the lever arm <b>170</b> is impelled to the right.
1557The relative horizontal inflexibility of the passive beams <b>172</b> prevents them from allowing much horizontal movement of the lever arm <b>170</b>. However, the relative displacement of the attachment points of the passive beams and actuator beam respectively to the lever arm causes a twisting movement that, in turn, causes the lever arm <b>170</b> to move generally downwardly with a pivoting or hinging motion. However, the absence of a true pivot point means that rotation is about a pivot region defined by bending of the passive beams <b>172</b>.
1558The downward movement (and slight rotation) of the lever arm <b>170</b> is amplified by the distance of the nozzle wall <b>160</b> from the passive beams <b>172</b>. The downward movement of the nozzle walls and roof causes a pressure increase within the chamber <b>159</b>, causing the meniscus <b>178</b> to bulge as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, although the surface tension of the ink causes the fluid seal <b>167</b> to be stretched by this motion without allowing ink to leak out.
1559As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, at the appropriate time the drive current is stopped and the actuator beam <b>173</b> quickly cools and contracts. The contraction causes the lever arm to commence its return to the quiescent position, which in turn causes a reduction in pressure in the chamber <b>159</b>. The interplay of the momentum of the bulging ink and its inherent surface tension, and the negative pressure caused by the upward movement of the nozzle chamber <b>159</b> causes thinning, and ultimately snapping, of the bulging meniscus <b>178</b> to define an ink drop <b>179</b> that continues outwardly until it contacts passing print media.
1560Immediately after the drop <b>179</b> detaches, the meniscus <b>178</b> forms the concave shape shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>. Surface tension causes the pressure in the chamber <b>159</b> to remain relatively low until ink has been sucked upwards through the inlet <b>155</b>, which returns the nozzle arrangement and the ink to the quiescent situation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>.
1561As can best be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the printhead chip <b>26</b> also incorporates a test mechanism that can be used both post-manufacture and periodically after the print head assembly has been installed. The test mechanism includes a pair of contacts <b>180</b> that are connected to test circuitry (not shown). A bridging contact <b>181</b> is provided on a finger <b>182</b> that extends from the lever arm <b>170</b>. Because the bridging contact <b>181</b> is on the opposite side of the passive beams <b>172</b>, actuation of the nozzle causes the bridging contact <b>181</b> to move upwardly, into contact with the contacts <b>180</b>. Test circuitry can be used to confirm that actuation causes this closing of the circuit formed by the contacts <b>180</b> and <b>181</b>. If the circuit is closed appropriately, it can generally be assumed that the nozzle is operative.
1562As stated previously the integrated circuits of the printhead chip <b>26</b> is controlled by the print engine controller (PEC) integrated circuits of the drive electronics <b>63</b>. One or more PEC integrated circuits <b>190</b> is or are provided (depending upon the printing speed required) in order to enable page-width printing over a variety of different sized pages or continuous sheets. As described previously, each of the printed circuit boards <b>62</b> carried by the support moulding <b>66</b> carries one PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>) which interfaces with four of the printhead chips <b>26</b>, and the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> essentially drives the integrated circuits of the printhead chips <b>26</b> and transfers received print data thereto in a form suitable to effect printing.
1563An example of a PEC integrated circuit which is suitable for driving the printhead chips is described in the Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/575,108, 09/575,109, 09/575,110, 09/607,985, 09/607,990, and 09/606,999, which are incorporated herein by reference. However, a brief description of the circuit is provided as follows with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31 to 33</figref>.
1564The data flow and functions performed by the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> are described for a situation where the PEC integrated circuit is provided for driving a printhead <b>20</b> having a plurality of printhead modules <b>23</b>; that is four modules as described above. As also described above, each printhead module <b>23</b> provides for six channels of fluid for printing, these being: <ul id="ul0562" list-style="none"><li id="ul0562-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0563" list-style="none"><li id="ul0563-0001" num="1565">Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) for regular colour printing;</li><li id="ul0563-0002" num="1566">Black (K) for black text and other black or greyscale printing;</li><li id="ul0563-0003" num="1567">Infrared (IR) for tag-enabled applications; and</li><li id="ul0563-0004" num="1568">Fixative (F) to enable printing at high speed.</li></ul></li></ul>
1569As indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, images are supplied to the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> by a computer, which is programmed to perform the various processing steps <b>191</b> to <b>194</b> involved in printing an image prior to transmission to the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b>. These steps will typically involve receiving the image data (step <b>191</b>) and storing this data in a memory buffer of the computer system (step <b>192</b>) in which image layouts may be produced and any required objects may be added. Pages from the memory buffer are rasterized (step <b>193</b>) and are then compressed (step <b>194</b>) prior to transmission to the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b>. Upon receiving the image data, the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> processes the data so as to drive the integrated circuits of the printhead chips <b>26</b>.
1570Due to the page-width form of the printhead assembly, each image should be printed at a constant speed to avoid creating visible artifacts. This means that the printing speed should be varied to match the input data rate. Document rasterization and document printing are therefore decoupled to ensure the printhead assembly has a constant supply of data. In this arrangement, an image is not printed until it is fully rasterized and, in order to achieve a high constant printing speed, a compressed version of each rasterized page image is stored in memory.
1571Because contone colour images are reproduced by stochastic dithering, but black text and line graphics are reproduced directly using dots, the compressed image format contains a separate foreground bi-level black layer and background contone colour layer. The black layer is composited over the contone layer after the contone layer is dithered. If required, a final layer of tags (in IR or black ink) is optionally added to the image for printout.
1572Dither matrix selection regions in the image description are rasterized to a contone-resolution bi-lev bitmap which is losslessly compressed to negligible size and which forms part of the compressed image. The IR layer of the printed page optionally contains encoded tags at a programmable density.
1573Each compressed image is transferred to the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> where it is then stored in a memory buffer <b>195</b>. The compressed image is then retrieved and fed to an image expander <b>196</b> in which images are retrieved. If required, any dither may be applied to any contone layer by a dithering means <b>197</b> and any black bi-level layer may be composited over the contone layer by a compositor <b>198</b> together with any infrared tags which may be rendered by the rendering means <b>199</b>. The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> then drives the integrated circuits of the printhead chips <b>26</b> to print the composite image data at step <b>200</b> to produce a printed image <b>201</b>.
1574The process performed by the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> may be considered to consist of a number of distinct stages. The first stage has the ability to expand a JPEG-compressed contone CMYK layer. In parallel with this, bi-level IR tag data can be encoded from the compressed image. The second stage dithers the contone CMYK layer using a dither matrix selected by a dither matrix select map and, if required, composites a bi-level black layer over the resulting bi-level K layer and adds the IR layer to the image. A fixative layer is also generated at each dot position wherever there is a need in any of the C, M, Y, K, or IR channels. The last stage prints the bi-level CMYK+IR data through the printhead assembly <b>20</b>.
1575<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> shows the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> in the context of the overall printing system architecture. The various components of the architecture include: <ul id="ul0564" list-style="none"><li id="ul0564-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0565" list-style="none"><li id="ul0565-0001" num="1576">The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> which is responsible for receiving the compressed page images for storage in a memory buffer <b>202</b>, performing the page expansion, black layer compositing and sending the dot data to the printhead chips <b>26</b>. The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> may also communicate with a master Quality Assurance (QA) integrated circuit <b>203</b> and with an ink cartridge Quality Assurance (QA) integrated circuit <b>204</b>. The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> also provides a means of retrieving the printhead assembly characteristics to ensure optimum printing.</li><li id="ul0565-0002" num="1577">The memory buffer <b>202</b> for storing the compressed image and for scratch use during the printing of a given page. The construction and working of memory buffers is known to those skilled in the art and a range of standard integrated circuits and techniques for their use might be utilized.</li><li id="ul0565-0003" num="1578">The master integrated circuit <b>203</b> which is matched to the ink cartridge QA integrated circuit <b>204</b>. The construction and working of QA integrated circuits is also known to those skilled in the art and a range of known QA processes might be utilized.</li></ul></li></ul>
1579The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> effectively performs four basic levels of functionality: <ul id="ul0566" list-style="none"><li id="ul0566-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0567" list-style="none"><li id="ul0567-0001" num="1580">Receiving compressed pages via a serial interface such as an IEEE 1394.</li><li id="ul0567-0002" num="1581">Acting as a print engine for producing an image from a compressed form. The print engine functionality includes expanding the image, dithering the contone layer, compositing the black layer over the contone layer, optionally adding infrared tags, and sending the resultant image to the integrated circuits of the printhead chips.</li><li id="ul0567-0003" num="1582">Acting as a print controller for controlling the printhead chips <b>26</b> and the stepper motors <b>102</b>, <b>108</b> and <b>111</b> of the printing system.</li><li id="ul0567-0004" num="1583">Serving as two standard low-speed serial ports for communication with the two QA integrated circuits. In this regard, two ports are used, and not a single port, so as to ensure strong security during authentication procedures.</li></ul></li></ul>
1584These functions are now described in more detail with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>, which provides a more specific, exemplary illustration of the PEC integrated circuit architecture.
1585The PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> incorporates a simple micro-controller CPU core <b>204</b> to perform the following functions: <ul id="ul0568" list-style="none"><li id="ul0568-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0569" list-style="none"><li id="ul0569-0001" num="1586">Perform QA integrated circuit authentication protocols via a serial interface <b>205</b> between print images.</li><li id="ul0569-0002" num="1587">Run stepper motors of the printing system via a parallel interface <b>206</b> during printing to control delivery of the print media to the printer for printing.</li><li id="ul0569-0003" num="1588">Synchronize the various components of the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> during printing.</li><li id="ul0569-0004" num="1589">Provide a means of interfacing with external data requests (programming registers, etc).</li><li id="ul0569-0005" num="1590">Provide a means of interfacing with the printhead assemblies' low-speed data requests (such as reading characterization vectors and writing pulse profiles).</li><li id="ul0569-0006" num="1591">Provide a means of writing portrait and landscape tag structures to an external DRAM <b>207</b>.</li></ul></li></ul>
1592In order to perform the image expansion and printing process, the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> includes a high-speed serial interface <b>208</b> (such as a standard IEEE 1394 interface), a standard JPEG decoder <b>209</b>, a standard Group 4 Fax decoder <b>210</b>, a custom half-toner/compositor (HC) <b>211</b>, a custom tag encoder <b>212</b>, a line loader/formatter (LLF) <b>213</b>, and a printhead interface <b>214</b> (PHI) which communicates with the printhead chips <b>26</b>. The decoders <b>209</b> and <b>210</b> and the tag encoder <b>212</b> are buffered to the HC <b>211</b>. The tag encoder <b>212</b> allocates infrared tags to images.
1593The print engine function works in a double-buffered manner. That is, one image is loaded into the external DRAM <b>207</b> via a DRAM interface <b>215</b> and a data bus <b>216</b> from the high-speed serial interface <b>208</b>, while the previously loaded image is read from the DRAM <b>207</b> and passed through the print engine process. When the image has been printed, the image just loaded becomes the image being printed, and a new image is loaded via the high-speed serial interface <b>208</b>.
1594At the aforementioned first stage, the process expands any JPEG-compressed contone (CMYK) layers, and expands any of two Group 4 Fax-compressed bi-level data streams. The two streams are the black layer and a matte for selecting between dither matrices for contone dithering. At the second stage, in parallel with the first, any tags are encoded for later rendering in either IR or black ink.
1595Finally, in the third stage the contone layer is dithered, and position tags and the bi-level spot layer are composited over the resulting bi-level dithered layer. The data stream is ideally adjusted to create smooth transitions across overlapping segments in the printhead assembly and ideally it is adjusted to compensate for dead nozzles in the printhead assemblies. Up to six channels of bi-level data are produced from this stage.
1596However, it will be understood that not all of the six channels need be activated. For example, the printhead modules <b>23</b> may provide for CMY only, with K pushed into the CMY channels and IR ignored. Alternatively, the position tags may be printed in K if IR ink is not employed. The resultant bi-level CMYK-IR dot-data is buffered and formatted for printing with the integrated circuits of the printhead chips <b>26</b> via a set of line buffers (not shown). The majority of these line buffers might be ideally stored on the external DRAM <b>207</b>. In the final stage, the six channels of bi-level dot data are printed via the PHI <b>214</b>.
1597The HC <b>211</b> combines the functions of half-toning the contone (typically CMYK) layer to a bi-level version of the same, and compositing the spot1 bi-level layer over the appropriate half-toned contone layer(s). If there is no K ink, the HC <b>211</b> functions to map K to CMY dots as appropriate. It also selects between two dither matrices on a pixel-by-pixel basis, based on the corresponding value in the dither matrix select map. The input to the HC <b>211</b> is an expanded contone layer (from the JPEG decoder <b>205</b>) through a buffer <b>217</b>, an expanded bi-level spot1 layer through a buffer <b>218</b>, an expanded dither-matrix-select bitmap at typically the same resolution as the contone layer through a buffer <b>219</b>, and tag data at full dot resolution through a buffer (FIFO) <b>220</b>.
1598The HC <b>211</b> uses up to two dither matrices, read from the external DRAM <b>207</b>. The output from the HC <b>211</b> to the LLF <b>213</b> is a set of printer resolution bi-level image lines in up to six colour planes. Typically, the contone layer is CMYK or CMY, and the bi-level spot1 layer is K. Once started, the HC <b>211</b> proceeds until it detects an “end-of-image” condition, or until it is explicitly stopped via a control register (not shown).
1599The LLF <b>213</b> receives dot information from the HC <b>211</b>, loads the dots for a given print line into appropriate buffer storage (some on integrated circuit (not shown) and some in the external DRAM <b>207</b>) and formats them into the order required for the integrated circuits of the printhead chips <b>26</b>. More specifically, the input to the LLF <b>213</b> is a set of six 32-bit words and a Data Valid bit, all generated by the HC <b>211</b>.
1600As previously described, the physical location of the nozzles <b>150</b> on the printhead chips is in two offset rows <b>151</b>, which means that odd and even dots of the same colour are for two different lines. In addition, there is a number of lines between the dots of one colour and the dots of another. Since the six colour planes for the same dot position are calculated at one time by the HC <b>211</b>, there is a need to delay the dot data for each of the colour planes until the same dot is positioned under the appropriate colour nozzle. The size of each buffer line depends on the width of the printhead assembly. A single PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> may be employed to generate dots for up to 16 printhead chips <b>26</b> and, in such case, a single odd or even buffer line is therefore 16 sets of 640 dots, for a total of 10,240 bits (1280 bytes).
1601The PHI <b>214</b> is the means by which the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> loads the printhead chips <b>26</b> with the dots to be printed, and controls the actual dot printing process. It takes input from the LLF <b>213</b> and outputs data to the printhead chips <b>26</b>. The PHI <b>214</b> is capable of dealing with a variety of printhead assembly lengths and formats.
1602A combined characterization vector of each printhead assembly <b>20</b> can be read back via the serial interface <b>205</b>. The characterization vector may include dead nozzle information as well as relative printhead module alignment data. Each printhead module can be queried via a low-speed serial bus <b>221</b> to return a characterization vector of the printhead module.
1603The characterization vectors from multiple printhead modules can be combined to construct a nozzle defect list for the entire printhead assembly and allows the PEC integrated circuit <b>190</b> to compensate for defective nozzles during printing. As long as the number of defective nozzles is low, the compensation can produce results indistinguishable from those of a printhead assembly with no defective nozzles.
1604Some of the features of the complete pagewidth printhead <b>20</b> that incorporates the chips <b>26</b> and associated print engine controllers may be summarised as follows:
00001. The printhead will normally have at least four color channels.
00002. The printhead will normally incorporate at least 1400 ink delivery nozzles per inch of print width for each color.
00003. The printhead may incorporate a total of at least 50,000 nozzles.
00004. The dot printing processing rate and the drop deposition rate of the printhead may be of the order of 10<sup>9 </sup>sec<sup>−1 </sup>or greater.
00005. The volume deposited per drop may be of the order of 2×10<sup>−12 </sup>l or less.
00006. The energy level expenditure per drop ejection may be of the order of 200×10<sup>−9 </sup>J. or less.
1605The capping mechanism <b>21</b> comprises, in broad terms, a capping member <b>29</b>, a carrier <b>30</b> supporting the capping member <b>29</b>, and an actuating mechanism <b>31</b>. The actuating mechanism <b>31</b> is arranged to effect movement of the carrier <b>30</b> back and forth between a first position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>) at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the printhead <b>20</b> and a second position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) at which the capping member <b>29</b> contacts the printhead <b>20</b>.
1606When in the first position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the capping member is protected against loss of moisture and ingress of such contaminating material as paper dust, as hereinafter described in more detail.
1607The capping member <b>29</b> is shown removed from the mechanism in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> and it comprises a capping element <b>32</b> which extends between and interconnects two end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b>. The capping element <b>32</b> comprises a channel-shaped element having thin-section side walls <b>35</b> separated by a recess <b>36</b> and it desirably is formed predominantly from a rigid material such as a metal (eg, aluminium) or a high density plastics material. Also, the capping element has a length which is sufficient to space the end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b> apart by a distance that is greater than the width of the widest of print media to be moved past the printhead <b>20</b>.
1608The upper surface of the walls <b>35</b> of the capping element may be provided with an elastomeric material lip <b>35</b><i>a </i>(see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>) to facilitate sealing of the printhead chips <b>26</b> and to facilitate closing and, thus, protection of the capping element when the capping member <b>29</b> is moved to its parked (ie, the first) position.
1609The right-hand end member <b>33</b> (as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) comprises a generally L-shaped member having one arm <b>37</b> to which the capping element <b>32</b> is connected and a further, truncated arm <b>37</b><i>a</i>, the function of which will hereinafter be described. The left-hand end member <b>34</b> is similar to the right-hand end member <b>33</b>, having corresponding arms <b>37</b> and <b>37</b><i>a</i>, but (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 11</figref>) it carries first and second adjustable stop members <b>38</b> and <b>39</b> respectively on an arm <b>40</b> which includes a lateral projection <b>41</b>. The functions of the stop members <b>38</b> and <b>39</b> will be described in more detail later with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 to 14</figref>. At this stage it is sufficient to state that the first stop member <b>38</b> is positioned to engage with the casing <b>24</b> of the printhead <b>20</b> and the second stop member <b>39</b> is positioned to engage with the carrier <b>30</b>.
1610Although not illustrated in the drawings, in an alternative embodiment of the invention the right-hand and left-hand members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b> might be constructed in the same way. That is, the first and second adjustable stop members <b>38</b> and <b>39</b> may be provided at both ends of the capping member <b>29</b>, particularly in the case of a wide format printer.
1611The complete capping member <b>29</b> is pivotally mounted to the carrier <b>30</b> by way of a pivot shaft <b>42</b> which extends along a marginal lower lip <b>43</b> of the carrier and which provides a common pivot axis for the two end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b>. A biasing device in the form of a torsion spring <b>44</b> is located about the pivot shaft <b>42</b> adjacent the inner face of the end member <b>34</b> and, when the capping member <b>29</b> is assembled to the carrier <b>30</b>, the radial limbs of the spring <b>44</b> are loaded against the carrier <b>30</b> and the end plate <b>34</b> in a manner to bias the capping member <b>29</b> in the direction of arrow <b>45</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. For this purpose one of the radial arms of the spring locates in a channel <b>52</b> within the end member <b>34</b>.
1612The carrier <b>30</b> has a length which is marginally smaller than the distance between the end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b>, as can best be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and the carrier is pivotally mounted to end plates <b>46</b> which are indirectly mounted to the printhead <b>20</b>. The carrier is supported between the end plates <b>46</b> by axially aligned pivot pins <b>47</b>, one of which is connected to the actuating mechanism <b>31</b>.
1613Thus, the carrier <b>30</b> is pivotal about a first pivot axis that is located parallel to but spaced from a second pivot axis about which the capping member <b>29</b> is pivotally mounted to the carrier. For reasons which will be explained later, the spacing between the first and second pivot axes is large relative to the radial displacement of the capping element <b>32</b> from the second pivot axis, typically three times the radial displacement.
1614The actuating mechanism <b>31</b> might take various forms but, as illustrated, it comprises an electric stepping motor <b>48</b> coupled by way of a crank <b>49</b> and a motion translating arrangement <b>50</b> to one of the pivot pins <b>47</b>. In operation of the capping mechanism, energisation and partial rotation of the motor <b>48</b> causes pivotal movement to be imparted to the motion translating mechanism <b>50</b> and, consequently to the pivot pins <b>47</b> and the carrier <b>30</b>. This results in movement of the carrier from the first (remote) position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> to the second (capping) position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. Continuing rotation, or subsequent partial rotation, of the motor <b>48</b> then causes pivoting of the motion translating mechanism <b>50</b> and the carrier <b>30</b> in the reverse direction, and consequential movement of the carrier from the second position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, to the first position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.
1615The operation of the capping mechanism and the protection of that mechanism will now be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 to 15</figref>.
1616<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows the capping mechanism <b>21</b> in the second position, with the capping member <b>29</b> in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead <b>20</b>. In this position the capping element <b>32</b> is located immediately below the printhead chips <b>26</b> and is able to receive fluid that is purged from the chips. Purging may be effected to clear any unwanted material from the chips' nozzles and/or to establish a humid atmosphere in the environment of the capped nozzles. To assist in this latter function the capping element <b>32</b> may be coated or be lined with a hydrophilic material. In a possible alternative arrangement, in which a suction system (not shown) is connected with the capping member for extracting purged material, the capping element <b>32</b> may be coated or be lined with a hydrophobic material.
1617Two significant features are to be observed in the arrangement shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>:
00001. The first stop member <b>38</b> is located in contact with the casing of the printhead <b>20</b>, and
00002. The second stop member <b>39</b> is spaced a small distance from the carrier <b>30</b>.
1618At the completion of a capping operation, when printing is to commence or resume, counter-clockwise pivoting motion is imparted to the carrier <b>30</b> by the actuating mechanism <b>31</b>. This results progressively in movement of the capping mechanism from the second (nozzle capping) position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> to the first (remote) position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.
1619During an initial, transitional movement of the carrier <b>30</b> to a transition position (intermediate the first and second positions), as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the torsion spring <b>44</b> causes the capping member <b>29</b> to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the carrier <b>30</b> until such time as the carrier contacts the second stop member <b>39</b>. This relative pivotal movement of the capping member <b>29</b> causes the capping element <b>32</b> to move in a direction that is approximately normal to the confronting face of the printhead, due to the small radial dimension of the capping member relative to the radial dimension of the carrier as determined by the spacing between the first and second pivot axes as previously identified.
1620When the carrier <b>30</b> contacts the second stop member <b>39</b>, further rotation of the capping member <b>29</b> relative to the carrier is precluded and the capping member is carried by the carrier toward the first position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.
1621Shortly before reaching the first position and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, the truncated arms <b>37</b><i>a </i>of the end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b> of the capping member <b>29</b> are carried into contact with spaced-apart deflecting abutments <b>51</b>. This contact causes rotation of the capping member <b>29</b> in a clockwise direction relative to the carrier <b>30</b> and serves to park the capping member in the first position where it is located away from the path followed by print media during a printing operation. Being aligned with the end members <b>33</b> and <b>34</b> of the capping mechanism, the abutments <b>51</b> are located laterally to the side of the print media path.
1622When parked in the first position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the elastomeric lip <b>35</b><i>a </i>of the capping element <b>35</b> is engaged with a flat face portion <b>30</b><i>a </i>of the carrier <b>30</b>. That is, the carrier itself functions as a covering member for the capping element. In this way the recess <b>36</b> of the capping element <b>35</b> is effectively sealed (ie, protected) against ingress of dust and other contaminants, and moisture that is present in the recess will be preserved for use in a subsequent capping operation. This is desirable in terms of capping the printhead chips <b>26</b> in a manner to prevent drying-out of the printhead nozzles.
1623As can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, the transitional movement of the carrier <b>30</b> from the second position to the transition position (or, in reverse, from the transition position to the second position) is small relative to the total pivotal movement of the carrier between the first and second positions. The ratio of the (angular) transitional movement to the total pivotal movement is within the range of 1:12 to 1:20.
1624When a capping operation is to be performed, the movements as above described are reversed. Thus, the actuating mechanism <b>31</b> is energised to cause pivoting of the carrier <b>30</b> from the first position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> to the second position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.
1625In moving toward the second position, the capping member <b>29</b> remains stationary relative to the carrier <b>30</b> (with the carrier contacting the second stop member <b>39</b>), until reaching the transition position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. Having reached that position, the first stop member <b>38</b> is brought into contact with the casing <b>24</b> of the printhead <b>20</b> and further movement of the capping member <b>29</b> about the carrier axis <b>47</b> is precluded. Then, as pivotal, transitional movement of the carrier continues toward the second position, the capping member <b>29</b> is caused to pivot in a clockwise direction relative to the carrier <b>30</b> and against the biasing force of the spring <b>44</b> until such time as the capping element <b>32</b> contacts the printhead <b>20</b> in nozzle capping engagement. Here again this relative pivotal movement of the capping member <b>29</b> causes the capping element <b>32</b> to move in a direction that is approximately normal to the confronting face of the printhead during the transitional movement of the carrier <b>30</b>.
1626In moving against the biasing force of the spring <b>44</b>, the force with which the capping member <b>29</b> contacts the surface of the printhead <b>20</b> is damped. This has the effect of minimising the risk of damage to the printhead chips <b>26</b> and of reducing the potential for any ink-loss from the nozzles that might otherwise result from a sudden impact on the surface of the printhead.
1627It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the capping mechanism provides effectively for two-stage capping and uncapping. During the capping operation, one stage occurs during movement of the capping mechanism between the first position and the transition position and the second stage occurs during the transitional movement of the capping mechanism between the transition position and the second position. During the uncapping operation, one stage occurs during the transitional movement of the capping mechanism between the second position and the transition position, and the second stage occurs during movement of the capping mechanism between the transition position and the first position.
1628Variations and modifications may be made in the embodiment of the invention as above described, for exemplification purposes, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Contents9
31 sheets
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Every citation, both ways
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| EP0041706A2 | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Applicant |
| WO0189848A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Applicant |
| WO02096652A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Applicant |
| WO03068513A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Applicant |
| EP0749837A1 | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Applicant |
| EP1279507A1 | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Applicant |
| US2006119645A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| GB2284576A | Cites | United Kingdom | Applicant |
| US5619232A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5627573A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
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| US7284820B2 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US7322669B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US20060119645A1 | Cites | United States of America | Third party observation |
| EP41706A | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Third party observation |
| EP749837A | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Third party observation |
| EP1279507A | Cites | European Patent Office (EPO) | Third party observation |
| GB2284576 | Cites | United Kingdom | Third party observation |
| WO0189848A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Third party observation |
| WO02096652A | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Third party observation |
| WO03068513A | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Third party observation |
4 members in 1 office
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| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
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| 368404 | United States of America | A |
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| US2006119657A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
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| US2008117251A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US8100503B2This record | United States of America | B2 |
59 transactions on the USPTO file
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Numbers
- Publication
- 8100503
- Application
- 12022994
Titles
- English
- Printhead assembly with protective capping mechanism
Patent term adjustment
- A delay
- +823 daysthe office missed an examination deadline
- B delay
- +359 dayspendency past three years
- Overlap
- −152 daysdelays counted once
- Net adjustment
- 1,030 days
Classification
- CPC, 3
- B41J2/16511
- B41J2/16585
- B41J2/16507
- IPC, 1
- B41J2 165